Jamaica is bracing for the impact of Hurricane Melissa, the strongest storm recorded this year, with U.S. meteorologists forecasting “catastrophic and life-threatening winds, flooding, and storm surge.”
Packing wind speeds reaching 175mph (282km/h), Hurricane Melissa has been classified as a category five storm, representing the highest intensity on the scale. The storm is projected to make landfall on the Caribbean island in the early hours of Tuesday.
Tragically, the storm has already been attributed to the deaths of four individuals in Haiti and the Dominican Republic.
Meteorological experts caution that Melissa’s slow trajectory is expected to result in prolonged periods of torrential rainfall over affected areas, thereby heightening the risk of devastating floods and landslides.
According to recent data released by the U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC), Melissa’s maximum wind speeds and low central pressure establish it as the most potent storm globally thus far in 2024.
In its latest public advisory issued at 18:00 GMT on Monday, the NHC conveyed warnings of “catastrophic and life-threatening winds, flooding, and storm surge” anticipated to affect Jamaica “tonight and early Tuesday.”
The NHC reported that Melissa was located approximately 145 miles (233km) south-west of Kingston, the capital city, and was progressing “west-north-west” at a speed of only 3mph (6 km/h).
“The potential for extreme rainfall, compounded by the slow movement of the storm, signifies a catastrophic event for Jamaica,” stated Jamie Rhome, deputy director of the NHC.
The NHC also indicated that rainfall accumulations of up to 40 inches (100cm) are possible in certain regions of Jamaica over the next four days.
The Jamaican government has mandated evacuations in portions of Kingston, and a nationwide “threat” advisory has been issued.
During an interview with the BBC, Jamaican Education Minister Dana Morris Dixon characterized the impending storm as “the likes of which we have never seen.”
“We’ve experienced rainfall throughout October, resulting in highly saturated ground conditions. Consequently, such significant rainfall will inevitably lead to extensive flooding and landslides, particularly in mountainous terrains,” she stated on BBC Newshour.
The minister further added, “We have 881 shelters in operation, all of which are activated and available free of charge.”
Evadney Campbell, a London resident currently visiting family on Jamaica’s north coast, shared her experience with the BBC, stating, “The house I’m staying in is hurricane-proof, constructed with blocks and steel and reinforced with concrete from top to bottom.”
“We’re checking on our neighbors to ensure their well-being.”
“I am concerned for those residing in the lowlands, particularly in the south-east, as many are hesitant to leave their homes due to concerns about potential looting,” Ms. Campbell noted.
Damian Anderson, a 47-year-old teacher residing in the mountainous town of Hagley Gap in the south-east, reported that impassable roads have effectively isolated his community.
“We are unable to move. We are afraid,” he was quoted as saying by Reuters news agency.
Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness has directed the immediate evacuation of vulnerable communities across the island.
In a post on X, he urged “every Jamaican to prepare, remain indoors during the storm, and comply with evacuation orders.”
“We will weather this storm and emerge stronger,” he affirmed.
Officials have also advised residents in low-lying and flood-prone areas to seek refuge in safer locations.
In some rural areas, school buses have been repurposed to transport vulnerable individuals to shelters, and toll booths have been opened to prevent congestion.
At least three fatalities have been confirmed, and hundreds of homes have been inundated in Haiti as Melissa brought torrential rainfall to the island of Hispaniola.
In the Dominican Republic, also located on Hispaniola, one death has been reported.
Local media outlets identified the victim as a 79-year-old man who was swept away by floodwaters in Santo Domingo, the capital city.
Additionally, a 13-year-old has been reported missing after being dragged away by strong currents while swimming in the sea.
Several individuals were rescued after becoming trapped in their vehicles due to rising floodwaters.
If you are in the region, tell us about your preparations for the hurricane.
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