Hurricane Melissa has strengthened to a Category 5 storm and is approaching Jamaica, posing a significant threat of flooding, landslides, and extensive damage. This would mark the most powerful hurricane to impact the island since records began in 1851. The storm has already caused seven fatalities in the northern Caribbean as it heads towards Jamaica, with anticipated landfall early Tuesday before moving on to Cuba and then the Bahamas.
Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness expressed concerns about the impending hardship, stating he has been praying for the nation’s safety. By Monday evening, Melissa was situated approximately 245 kilometers southwest of Kingston and 535 kilometers southwest of Guantanamo, Cuba, with sustained winds of 280 kilometers per hour and a west-northwest movement of four kilometers per hour, according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center.
Forecasts suggest eastern Jamaica could receive up to 76 centimeters of rainfall, while western Haiti may experience 40 centimeters, leading to the potential for catastrophic flash flooding and landslides. Authorities have issued mandatory evacuations in flood-prone areas of Jamaica, with concerns about storm surges up to four meters along coastal Kingston, home to critical infrastructure.
Despite evacuation orders, concerns linger as many residents opt to stay in their homes or avoid shelters due to past negative experiences. Jamaica’s government officials worry about the low number of individuals seeking shelter, with less than 1,000 people utilizing over 130 available shelters across the island. The storm has already claimed lives in Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and Jamaica, with further impacts anticipated in Cuba.
The slow-moving nature of Hurricane Melissa poses challenges for cleanup and damage assessment due to expected landslides, flooding, and blocked roads. The storm’s projected trajectory indicates additional rainfall for Haiti and the Dominican Republic, exacerbating existing challenges in these regions. The situation remains critical as the region braces for the impact of one of the most powerful storms in decades.