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Hurricane Melissa Slams Jamaica as ‘Catastrophic’ Category 5 Storm

As Hurricane Melissa barrels toward Jamaica with unprecedented fury, the island nation braces for catastrophic impacts. With 160 mph (257 km/h) winds and torrential rainfall, the storm has already triggered mass evacuations, flight cancellations, and emergency preparations across the Caribbean.

Hurricane Melissa: A Rapidly Intensifying Monster

Melissa escalated from a tropical storm to a Category 5 hurricane in under 48 hours—a phenomenon linked to record-high ocean temperatures from climate change. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) warns of life-threatening 20-foot storm surges, labeling Melissa “extremely dangerous.”

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness issued an urgent evacuation order:

“This storm will be severe. Act now to save lives.”

Emergency shelters are open, but overcrowding and COVID-19 risks remain a concern.

Chaos as Hurricane Melissa Nears Landfall

• Kingston & Montego Bay: Heavy rain, flooding, and power outages reported.
• Airports Closed: Norman Manley and Sangster International suspend flights.
• Tourism & Business Impact: Cruise ships rerouted, shops boarded up, and panic buying surges.

“I’ve never seen a storm like this,” says Kingston resident Maureen Thompson.

International Aid & Regional Alerts

• CDEMA and Jamaica’s ODPEM coordinating disaster response.
• USAID, Canada, UK sending relief supplies (tarps, clean water, hygiene kits).
• Cayman Islands & Cuba next in Melissa’s path—evacuations underway.

Climate Change’s Role in Stronger Hurricanes

Scientists confirm warmer oceans = stronger storms:

“This aligns with climate models—expect more intense hurricanes.”
—Dr. Priya Rajan, University of the West Indies

What’s Next for Hurricane Melissa?

Jamaica faces life-threatening conditions, while models suggest Gulf of Mexico threats later this week. Follow official NHC advisories for updates.

Stay with NextMinuteNews for real-time coverage. Avoid rumors, use emergency contacts, and stay safe.

— Reporting by NextMinuteNews Team
(Sources: AP, Reuters, NHC)

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