Guantanamo Bay faces a serious threat as Hurricane Melissa—a Category 5 storm—barrels through the Caribbean with catastrophic force. After the storm’s landfall in Jamaica and its path now targeting southeastern Cuba, Guantánamo’s Naval Base, the prison, and the surrounding area are on high alert.
Hurricane Impact and Response
Melissa is delivering sustained winds that have reached up to 180 mph, with rainfall totals predicted in the 10–20 inch range. The result could be life-threatening flooding, landslides, and severe damage to infrastructure. In anticipation, the U.S. Navy has evacuated more than 1,000 non-essential personnel, including military dependents, civilian employees, and pets, relocating them to safe shelters, some as far away as Florida.
Those remaining—an estimated 3,000 essential personnel—are carrying out core operations. Navy ships and aircraft are being repositioned to avoid damage, and base facilities are prepared to generate their own water and electricity. Backup generators and emergency bottled water supplies are on standby in case of extended outages.
Guantanamo Prison Procedures During Hurricanes
Although the prison population today is small, it remains one of the most sensitive in the world. Detainees and guards are secured in hurricane-resistant buildings of steel and concrete, designed specifically to withstand the most intense storms. When hurricanes threaten, prison staff shelter in fortified barracks, and lockdown procedures are enforced throughout the facility. Essential food, medicines, and emergency supplies are stored and ready for use.
In extreme scenarios, detainees can be moved to Cold War-era bunkers, built to resist even nuclear blasts. Security remains paramount at all times, but these procedures ensure the protection of both prisoners and staff, even in severe weather.
Local Response and Evacuations
Cuban authorities outside the base have ordered widespread evacuations, moving hundreds of thousands of people from vulnerable areas. Roads are shut, local shelters stocked, and the population is braced for prolonged power and water outages.
For all residents, the highest priority is survival and swift adaptation. Emergency communications—ranging from base-wide loudspeakers to official TV and social media—provide instructions and updates on evacuation orders, shelter locations, and storm status. Residents are advised to pack essentials for at least two weeks, safeguard important documents, and be ready for possible isolation if the base or surrounding communities become cut off.
What Comes Next
If Hurricane Melissa makes a direct hit, Guantanamo Bay will face major challenges to operations, logistics, and security. Heavy rain and violent winds could disrupt services and isolate the base for days or even weeks. The Navy’s protocols—including evacuation, robust sheltering, stockpiling of disaster supplies, and activation of emergency command centers—are designed to protect lives and maintain order during recovery, but the size and strength of Melissa may stretch these systems more than any previous hurricane.
The situation remains fluid. Authorities are closely monitoring forecasts and prepared to adjust plans as conditions change. For everyone at Guantanamo Bay, this is one of the most significant hurricane threats in recent history, demanding coordinated action, rapid communication, and resilience in the face of extreme adversity.
Live Coverage and Radar Maps
As the hurricane unfolds, we will have live coverage and radar maps available, giving real-time updates and visual tracking of Hurricane Melissa’s progress. Stay tuned for the latest developments and expert analysis as the event plays out.