Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm, made landfall in southwestern Jamaica near New Hope on Tuesday, with maximum sustained winds of about 185 mph (295 km/h), according to the US National Hurricane Center.Officials warned of catastrophic damage as the storm, the strongest to hit the island in 174 years brought torrential rain, powerful winds and life-threatening storm surges.According to The New York Times, at least seven people have died across the Caribbean, including three in Jamaica, three in Haiti and one in the Dominican Republic.
Authorities have ordered mandatory evacuations and the United Nations weather agency warned of “a catastrophic situation” for the island nation.
Strongest storm in Jamaica’s recorded history
Hurricane Melissa, packing winds of up to 185 mph (295 kmph), is the strongest storm ever recorded to strike Jamaica. The US National Hurricane Center (NHC) said the hurricane is the fifth most intense storm in the Atlantic basin by pressure and could cause “total structural failure” along its path.
Catastrophic impact feared
Forecasters warned of storm surges up to 13 feet (4 metres) and rainfall exceeding 70 cm, sparking life-threatening floods and landslides.“There is no infrastructure in the region that can withstand a Category 5,” said Prime Minister Andrew Holness. He added that the focus will be on recovery once the storm passes.
Jamaica braces for devastation
The storm is expected to make landfall near St Elizabeth parish before moving across the island and exiting around St Ann parish. Streets in Kingston were deserted on Tuesday as winds intensified and trees began to topple. Meanwhile, the government has opened over 800 shelters nationwide, as reported by news agency AP. The International Federation of the Red Cross estimated that up to 1.5 million people in Jamaica could be directly affected. Officials warned that flooding could isolate communities and disrupt emergency response efforts.
Hospitals and infrastructure under threat
Health minister Christopher Tufton said hospitals along the coast had relocated patients from ground floors as a precaution. Authorities also warned of possible damage to farmlands, power grids and transport networks.Melissa has already caused devastation across the Caribbean, with seven confirmed deaths. Cuba has evacuated more than 600,000 residents from its eastern provinces including Santiago, the island’s second-largest city. The US Navy has moved personnel and warships away from Guantánamo Bay.
Waves splash in Kingston, Jamaica, as Hurricane Melissa approaches (AP image)
UN and aid agencies prepare relief operations
UN agencies and humanitarian groups have pre-positioned food, medicine and water supplies across Jamaica and neighboring islands. “Every drop will count,” said Water Minister Matthew Samuda. He urged the residents to conserve clean water.
A man wades through a flooded street ahead of the forecasted arrival of Hurricane Melissa in Old Harbour, Jamaica (AP image)
