Hurricane Melissa has rapidly intensified into a Category 5 storm, posing a significant threat to Jamaica with the potential for catastrophic flooding, landslides, and extensive damage. If it maintains its current strength, it will be the most powerful hurricane to strike the island since record-keeping began in 1851.
The storm, already responsible for seven deaths in the northern Caribbean, is expected to hit Jamaica early Tuesday before moving on to Cuba and then the Bahamas. Forecasters predict that the United States will not be affected by Melissa.
Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness expressed deep concern for the impending devastation, urging citizens to prepare and follow evacuation orders. Melissa was located about 245 kilometers southwest of Kingston and 535 kilometers southwest of Guantanamo, Cuba, with sustained winds of 280 kilometers per hour and a slow west-northwest movement.
The U.S. National Hurricane Center warned of extreme rainfall amounts, with eastern Jamaica potentially experiencing up to 76 centimeters of rain and western Haiti up to 40 centimeters, leading to severe flash flooding and landslides. Residents were strongly advised to remain in safe shelters and avoid unnecessary risks.
Despite evacuation orders issued in flood-prone areas of Jamaica, concerns arose as reports suggested low shelter occupancy rates. Jamaican officials emphasized the importance of preparedness and urged citizens to prioritize safety by seeking shelter and assisting vulnerable community members.
Tragically, the slow-moving storm has already claimed lives in Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and Jamaica, with additional fatalities feared as the storm progresses. Cleanup and recovery efforts are expected to face significant delays due to the anticipated impact of landslides and blocked roads.
In neighboring Haiti, crop destruction and displacement have compounded existing challenges, with millions of people already experiencing severe food insecurity. The storm’s relentless rainfall is set to continue affecting southern Haiti and the Dominican Republic in the days ahead, further exacerbating the ongoing crisis in the region.