Hurricane Melissa: Caribbean Braces for Catastrophic Impact
Hurricane Melissa has intensified into a Category 4 storm, triggering mass evacuations across five Caribbean nations as meteorologists warn of unprecedented rainfall, catastrophic flooding, and potential landslides.
Key Takeaways
- Hurricane Melissa upgraded to Category 4, threatening Jamaica, Haiti, Cuba, Dominican Republic, and the Bahamas.
- Projected 35 inches of rain and 8-foot storm surges pose catastrophic flood and landslide risks.
- At least four fatalities reported as the storm approaches landfall.
Emergency Preparations Underway
Authorities are evacuating low-lying areas and opening emergency shelters. The Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency warned this could be Jamaica’s strongest recorded storm.
Jamaica’s Critical Situation
Evan Thompson, Director of Jamaica’s Meteorological Service, confirmed hurricane conditions will begin Monday, with the storm crossing the island Tuesday. The track has shifted westward toward Manchester instead of Clarendon.
“We are expecting that a lot of rainfall will continue to be dousing the island,” Thompson added.
Regional Response Efforts
In Cuba, six provinces are under hurricane watch with coastal evacuations ordered. Authorities are cleaning streets, trimming trees, and securing infrastructure. Nearly 4,000 people have been evacuated, with some southern provinces on red alert.
The Dominican Republic is providing cash assistance to 4,000 families, while food supplies for 275,000 people have been positioned in eastern Cuba.
Jamaican disaster management committees are fully activated. Norman Scott, Mayor of Spanish Town, noted residents are taking the threat seriously, with some showing signs of panic.
