Jamaica Braces for Catastrophic Hit from Hurricane Melissa
Hurricane Melissa, now a Category 5 hurricane with sustained winds of 160 mph (257 km/h), is on a collision course with Jamaica, prompting urgent evacuations and nationwide emergency measures. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) warns of “life-threatening” storm surges, catastrophic winds, and flooding rains expected to devastate the island within 24 hours.
Hurricane Melissa: Key Threats to Jamaica
Meteorologists confirm Melissa’s rapid intensification due to record-warm Caribbean waters. The storm’s core threats include:
– Catastrophic Winds: Gusts up to 180 mph (290 km/h) could level buildings, snap power lines, and trigger island-wide blackouts.
– Deadly Storm Surge: Coastal areas face 15–20 ft (4.5–6 m) surges, threatening to submerge towns like Montego Bay and Portmore.
– Flash Flooding & Landslides: 20+ inches (50 cm) of rain may trigger mudslides, especially in St. Andrew and Portland parishes.
State of Emergency Declared: Evacuations Underway
Prime Minister Andrew Holness has activated the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) and ordered mandatory evacuations for coastal zones.
“Do not wait. This storm will be deadly if precautions are ignored.” — PM Holness
Critical Updates:
– Norman Manley International Airport (Kingston) suspends flights at 6 PM local time.
– Emergency shelters opened island-wide, though COVID-19 protocols limit capacity.
– Tourist evacuations: Resorts in Negril and Ocho Rios relocating guests inland.
Caribbean-Wide Warnings: Haiti, Cayman Islands at Risk
While Jamaica faces the strongest impact, eastern Cuba, Haiti, and the Cayman Islands are under hurricane watches. Haiti’s flood-prone regions could see repeat devastation from 2021’s Hurricane Grace.
Climate Change’s Role in Melissa’s Ferocity
Experts link Melissa’s rapid growth to rising ocean temperatures.
“Warmer seas mean hurricanes intensify faster—Melissa is a climate warning.” — Dr. Lisa Singh, UWI Climatologist
How to Survive Hurricane Melissa
Authorities urge Jamaicans to:
✅ Evacuate if in flood zones or unstable homes.
✅ Pack go-bags with medicines, documents, and 3 days of food/water.
✅ Avoid roads once winds exceed 50 mph.
✅ Track updates via Jamaica Meteorological Service and NHC.
Global Aid Mobilizes Ahead of Landfall
- Red Cross deploying flood kits and trauma teams.
- USAID prepositions supplies in Trinidad.
- CDEMA coordinating regional rescue efforts.
Final Alert: Next 24 Hours Are Critical
With landfall expected by early Tuesday, Jamaica’s preparedness will be tested. Follow #HurricaneMelissa for live updates.
— Reporting by NextMinuteNews
