Hurricane Melissa is poised to strike Jamaica on Tuesday, expected to be a catastrophic Category 5 storm, marking the strongest hurricane to hit the island since recordkeeping began 174 years ago. Forecasters predict the storm will make landfall early Tuesday, cutting diagonally across Jamaica, entering near St. Elizabeth parish in the south and exiting around St. Ann parish in the north before heading towards Cuba.
In anticipation of the storm, the Jamaican government has stated that it has taken all necessary precautions to prepare for the impending disaster. Prime Minister Andrew Holness emphasized the severity of the situation, noting, “There is no infrastructure in the region that can withstand a Category 5.” He highlighted the crucial issue of recovery speed, indicating that this will be a significant challenge for the nation.
As Hurricane Melissa approaches, reports of landslides, fallen trees, and extensive power outages have emerged. Officials are warning the public that the cleanup process and damage assessment will likely be slow and complicated. A life-threatening storm surge of up to 13 feet (4 meters) is anticipated in southern Jamaica, raising concerns about the impact on coastal hospitals. Health Minister Christopher Tufton confirmed that some patients have been relocated from ground floors to higher levels in an effort to mitigate risks from possible flooding.
Tragically, Hurricane Melissa has already been linked to seven deaths across the Caribbean, including three in Jamaica, three in Haiti, and one in the Dominican Republic, where another person remains unaccounted for. This underscores the urgent need for vigilance and preparedness as the storm approaches.
As of early Tuesday, Hurricane Melissa was centered approximately 115 miles (180 kilometers) west-southwest of Kingston and about 290 miles (465 kilometers) southwest of Guantánamo, Cuba. The storm boasts maximum sustained winds of 175 mph (280 kph) and is currently moving north-northeast at a speed of 5 mph (8 kph), according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami. “We will get through it together,” stated Evan Thompson, principal director at Jamaica’s meteorological service, offering reassurance to the public.
Despite government orders for evacuations in flood-prone areas, many families are choosing to shelter in place, leading to concerns about public safety. “Many have never experienced anything like this before, and the uncertainty is frightening,” noted Colin Bogle, a Mercy Corps advisor based near Kingston, highlighting the profound fear surrounding potential loss of homes, livelihoods, and displacement.
In light of the impending storm, Matthew Samuda, Jamaica’s water and environment minister, has stated that over 50 generators are ready for deployment after the storm passes. However, he urged citizens to conserve clean water: “Every drop will count,” he cautioned, emphasizing the importance of resource management in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa.
Hurricane Melissa is also expected to make landfall in eastern Cuba late Tuesday as a powerful hurricane. A hurricane warning is currently in effect for the provinces of Granma, Santiago de Cuba, Guantánamo, and Holguin, while a tropical storm warning has been issued for Las Tunas. Forecasts predict up to 20 inches (51 centimeters) of rain in parts of Cuba, coupled with a significant storm surge along the coast. Cuban officials announced the evacuation of over 600,000 residents from affected regions, including Santiago, the island’s second-largest city.
Furthermore, Hurricane Melissa has already impacted southern areas of Haiti and the Dominican Republic, with a tropical storm warning still active for Haiti. The storm is anticipated to turn northeast after passing through Cuba, potentially affecting the southeast Bahamas by Wednesday evening. A hurricane warning is in effect for the southeastern and central Bahamas, while a tropical storm warning has been issued for the Turks and Caicos Islands.
As the situation evolves, it is crucial for residents and authorities across the region to remain vigilant and prepared for the challenges posed by Hurricane Melissa.
