Hurricane Melissa has strengthened to a Category 5 storm and is approaching Jamaica, posing a severe threat of flooding, landslides, and extensive damage. This would mark the most powerful hurricane to hit 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 the Bahamas. The United States is not expected to be directly impacted.
Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness expressed concerns about the impending disaster, stating, “I have been on my knees in prayer.” As of Monday night, Melissa was located approximately 245 kilometers southwest of Kingston and 535 kilometers southwest of Guantanamo, Cuba. With sustained winds of 280 kilometers per hour, the storm is moving west-northwest at a pace of four kilometers per hour, as reported by the U.S. National Hurricane Center.
Forecasters predict extreme rainfall amounts, with eastern Jamaica potentially receiving up to 76 centimeters and western Haiti up to 40 centimeters, leading to “catastrophic flash flooding and numerous landslides.” Residents are urged to stay in safe shelters and avoid venturing out.
Despite evacuation orders issued for seven flood-prone communities in Jamaica, concerns remain as mandatory evacuations are not being fully complied with. Jamaican officials stress the importance of preparation, staying indoors during the storm, and following evacuation directives. Low shelter occupancy rates raise worries, with less than 1,000 individuals seeking refuge in over 130 shelters across the island.
Tragically, Hurricane Melissa has already claimed lives in Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and Jamaica. The slow-moving storm is expected to continue its destructive path, making landfall in eastern Cuba after impacting Jamaica. Cleanup efforts post-storm are anticipated to be challenging due to potential landslides, flooding, and obstructed roads.
In the Dominican Republic, Melissa has caused significant damage, displacing thousands of people and disrupting access to communities. Haiti, already grappling with food crisis, faces further agricultural losses and challenges due to the storm’s impact. Melissa is projected to linger over southern Haiti and the southern Dominican Republic, continuing to bring heavy rainfall in the days ahead.