Jamaica is bracing for the impact of Hurricane Melissa, a category five storm with sustained winds reaching 295 km/h. The hurricane was reported to be about 70 km southwest of the island as of Tuesday morning, advancing slowly at a pace of 11 km/h, according to the US National Hurricane Center. The Jamaican government has declared a state of high alert, warning of catastrophic damage as the storm approaches.
In the capital, Kingston, the streets are largely deserted, with only a few residents seen moving quickly under the strong winds. The typical hustle and bustle of the city has been replaced by an eerie calm, punctuated only by a stray dog navigating puddles. The slow movement of Hurricane Melissa is expected to bring heavy rainfall, significantly increasing the risk of storm surges and landslides, particularly in Jamaica’s mountainous regions.
The Red Cross has cautioned that the potential impact of the hurricane could be unprecedented for Jamaica, a nation of approximately 2.8 million people. Prime Minister Andrew Holness echoed these concerns, stating, “There is no infrastructure in the region that can withstand a category five.” He emphasized the urgency of recovery efforts, acknowledging the severe damage likely to result from the storm.
As Hurricane Melissa intensified over the Caribbean, it has already caused fatalities in nearby countries. At least four individuals lost their lives in Haiti and the Dominican Republic due to the heavy rains associated with the storm. In Jamaica, three people died while engaged in storm preparations, specifically while cutting down trees.
Forecasts indicate that Hurricane Melissa will traverse Jamaica from the south coast to the north coast on Tuesday, before continuing onto Cuba later in the day as a “major hurricane.” The storm is then expected to reach the Bahamas on Wednesday.
With the situation evolving rapidly, Jamaican authorities are urging residents to take immediate safety measures. The potential for significant disruption to daily life and infrastructure remains high as the island prepares for one of the most powerful storms in its history.
