Jamaica Urges Evacuations as ‘Catastrophic’ Flood Warnings Loom

A hurricane poised to affect Jamaica and Cuba has escalated in intensity, with forecasts suggesting it could reach Category 5 at landfall. The storm is expected to bring catastrophic flooding and landslides to the region, raising alarms among authorities and residents alike.

Crisis Preparedness in Jamaica

The US National Hurricane Center (NHC) has issued dire warnings for the impending storm, named Melissa. As it nears Jamaica, maximum sustained winds have reached 140 mph (220 kph) and may strengthen further. Jamaican officials are taking serious measures to ensure safety.

• Over 900 shelters have been prepared across the island.
• Prime Minister Andrew Holness has ordered mandatory evacuations in Port Royal and six other areas.

Desmond McKenzie, the Minister of Local Government, expressed grave concerns about the potential impact, stating, “Many of these communities will not survive this flooding.”

Forecast and Potential Impact

Satellite images illustrate Melissa rapidly intensifying into a significant tropical storm. Both major international airports in Jamaica are currently closed to facilitate safety protocols.

Tragically, the storm has already claimed lives, with at least three fatalities reported in Haiti and one in the Dominican Republic. A search is ongoing for another missing individual.

Heavy Rainfall and Flooding Threats

The NHC anticipates the storm will bring substantial rainfall, estimating:

• Jamaica: 38 cm (15 inches) to 76 cm (30 inches), with localized amounts exceeding 1 meter (40 inches).
• Southern Hispaniola: Similar rainfall warnings are in effect.
• Eastern Cuba: Expected rain between 25 cm (10 inches) and 38 cm (15 inches), with potential local totals of up to 51 cm (20 inches).

The forecast predicts severe infrastructure damage, along with power and communication disruptions. Many communities in Jamaica may experience isolation due to flooding.

Emergency Response and Community Support

Jamaica’s Information Minister, Dana Morris Dixon, announced that the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency is prepared to assist. Several international partners have already pledged support for the affected regions.

Officials emphasize the unprecedented nature of the expected rainfall, urging residents to take the necessary precautions. The situation remains fluid as authorities continue to monitor the storm’s trajectory and impact.