As Hurricane Melissa intensifies and barrels towards Jamaica, local officials are sounding the alarm about the potential devastation the storm may bring. Jamaican authorities have activated 881 shelters and closed both international airports in anticipation of the storm's impact. During a press conference in Kingston, Desmond McKenzie, the minister of local government, emphasized the severity of the situation, stating, “Many of these communities will not survive the flooding.” He highlighted that Kingston, being extremely low-lying, is particularly vulnerable, and no community in the area is immune to the impending disaster.
In response to the threats posed by Hurricane Melissa, Prime Minister Andrew Holness has issued mandatory evacuation orders for Port Royal in Kingston and six other vulnerable areas across the country, including Old Harbour Bay. The combination of rapid intensification and the storm's slow advancement is creating a situation that experts warn could lead to catastrophic outcomes, potentially resulting in record-breaking flooding and damage.
Hurricane Melissa has officially reached Category 5 status, with winds exceeding 157 mph. The US National Hurricane Center has indicated that the storm is expected to make landfall on the island on Tuesday, bringing not only destructive winds but also the potential for life-threatening flash flooding and landslides. The hurricane is forecasted to drop up to 30 inches of rain in Jamaica, with some regions possibly experiencing as much as 40 inches.
The hurricane center has issued stern warnings regarding the extensive damage to infrastructure, power outages, and communication disruptions that are likely to ensue. Communities could face isolation as the storm progresses, emphasizing the urgency for residents to seek shelter immediately. The deputy director of the hurricane center cautioned, “Conditions in Jamaica are going to go down rapidly today. Be ready to ride this out for several days.”
Following its impact on Jamaica, Hurricane Melissa is projected to reach Cuba on Tuesday night and continue its path across the southeastern Bahamas on Wednesday. Over the weekend, the Cuban government proactively issued a hurricane watch for several provinces, including Granma, Santiago de Cuba, Guantánamo, and Holguin, in preparation for the storm's arrival.
As the situation develops, authorities urge residents to stay informed and take necessary precautions. Stay with us for the latest updates on Hurricane Melissa and its impact on Jamaica and surrounding regions.
