A dangerous hurricane heading towards Jamaica and Cuba is gaining strength and could reach Category 5 status before it strikes the region later today or early Tuesday, as per meteorologists’ warnings.
The US National Hurricane Center (NHC) predicts that Hurricane Melissa will bring severe flooding, landslides, and high tides. Jamaican authorities are advising residents to evacuate to one of the 900 shelters set up across the island.
Prime Minister Andrew Holness has ordered mandatory evacuations for Port Royal in Kingston and six other areas as a precaution.
With sustained winds reaching 140mph (220kph), Hurricane Melissa is set to intensify further upon reaching Jamaica.
Minister of Local Government Desmond McKenzie expressed concerns about the potential devastating impact of the flooding, especially in low-lying areas like Kingston.
Both international airports have been shut down due to the approaching storm.
The slow-moving hurricane has already caused casualties in Haiti and the Dominican Republic. The NHC projects significant rainfall amounts for Jamaica and southern Hispaniola, with localized totals potentially exceeding one meter.
Eastern Cuba is also expected to receive substantial rainfall, which may lead to flooding and related issues.
Officials are warning of extensive damage to infrastructure, power disruptions, and potential isolation of communities in Jamaica.
Jamaica’s Information Minister, Dana Morris Dixon, stated that international partners are ready to support relief efforts in coordination with the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency.
Experts, including Alex DaSilva from AccuWeather, are urging residents in the region to prepare for the severe impacts of Melissa, emphasizing the risks of heavy rainfall, flash floods, power outages, and road damages.
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