Catastrophic Category Five Hurricane Melissa with 280kmh Winds Approaches Jamaica Claiming Seven Lives
Hurricane Melissa is approaching Jamaica as a catastrophic Category 5 storm, a record event in the island’s history. With wind speeds reaching 280 km/h (175 mph), it is set to make landfall early on Tuesday. The storm will enter near St. Elizabeth parish in the south and exit around St. Ann parish in the north, before impacting Cuba.
Preparations and Government Warnings
The Jamaican government has undertaken extensive preparations for the hurricane. Prime Minister Andrew Holness emphasized the lack of infrastructure capable of withstanding such a powerful storm, stating, “The question now is the speed of recovery.”
Authorities report landslides, downed trees, and widespread power outages ahead of the storm. Cleanup and damage assessments will be challenging, given the expected devastation.
Impact on Health and Safety
The storm is predicted to produce a life-threatening storm surge of up to 4 meters (13 feet) across southern Jamaica. Health Minister Christopher Tufton has confirmed that some patients in coastal hospitals have been relocated to higher floors to mitigate risk.
Casualties and Evacuations
Tragically, Hurricane Melissa has already claimed seven lives in the Caribbean, including three in Jamaica, three in Haiti, and one in the Dominican Republic. One individual remains missing in the Dominican Republic.
Current Status of Hurricane Melissa
- Location: Approximately 180 kilometers west-southwest of Kingston, Jamaica.
- Movement: North-northeast at 8 km/h (5 mph).
- Forecasted Rainfall: Up to 51 centimeters (20 inches) in parts of Cuba.
- Total Evacuations: Over 600,000 people in Cuba.
Community Response and Resources
Despite evacuation orders in flood-prone areas, many families in Jamaica continue to shelter in place. Colin Bogle from Mercy Corps noted that many residents are experiencing such severe weather for the first time. This uncertainty has sparked profound fear about homes, livelihoods, and safety.
Matthew Samuda, the Minister of Water and Environment, highlighted the importance of emergency resources. He stated that more than 50 generators are prepared for deployment post-storm, while urging residents to conserve water supply, as “every drop will count.”
Looking Ahead
Hurricane Melissa is forecast to strike eastern Cuba by late Tuesday. A hurricane warning is currently active for the provinces of Granma, Santiago de Cuba, Guantánamo, and Holguin. The storm is expected to impact the southeast Bahamas by Wednesday evening.
As the situation unfolds, residents and officials in affected areas remain hopeful for recovery and safety amidst the catastrophe.
