Hurricane Melissa, now classified as a Category 4 hurricane, is moving towards Jamaica and Cuba, posing a severe threat of floods, landslides, and storm surges, as per the U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC). With sustained winds reaching 140 miles per hour, Melissa is forecasted to intensify before hitting Jamaica, expected to make landfall on Monday night or Tuesday morning, followed by southeastern Cuba by late Tuesday.
Jamaican authorities are urging residents to evacuate to nearly 900 shelters across the country. Prime Minister Andrew Holness has issued mandatory evacuation orders for Port Royal in Kingston and six other areas due to the imminent danger. Minister of local government, Desmond McKenzie, emphasized the vulnerability of low-lying areas like Kingston to flooding, warning that many communities may not withstand the deluge.
The closure of both international airports has been enforced amidst the impending crisis. Despite evacuation efforts, some residents are choosing to remain in their homes, defying calls to board evacuation buses. Douglas Butler, a local boat captain in Port Royal, expressed his decision to stay put, stating his readiness to face the storm with essential supplies.
The NHC anticipates Melissa to bring extensive rainfall to Jamaica and southern Hispaniola, with projections of 15 to 30 inches and localized amounts up to 40 inches. Similarly, eastern Cuba is likely to receive significant rainfall ranging from 10 to 15 inches, with potential local accumulations of up to 20 inches.
Jamaica’s information minister, Dana Morris Dixon, highlighted the unprecedented rainfall forecasts, indicating the urgent need for disaster preparedness. The Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency stands ready to offer aid, with international partners already committing support to mitigate the impact of the impending hurricane.