Hurricane Melissa made an unprecedented landfall in Jamaica on Tuesday, being categorized as a powerful category five storm by the U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC). This hurricane is noted as one of the strongest to ever strike the Atlantic basin, with maximum sustained winds reaching 295 km/h. As the island braced for the storm’s devastating impact, government officials issued stark warnings about the risks of catastrophic storm surges, flash floods, and landslides.
In anticipation of the storm, authorities urged residents to seek shelter and reinforce their homes. Government Minister Desmond McKenzie warned of the hurricane’s potential impact, stating, “Don’t bet against Melissa because you will lose.” By Tuesday morning, reports indicated that hundreds of thousands of Jamaicans were left without power as the storm battered the coastline with violent winds and torrential rains.
Meteorologists have warned that the rainfall from Hurricane Melissa could accumulate to over 70 cm across the island, with localized regions possibly experiencing up to 762 mm. This excessive rainfall is exacerbated by the hurricane’s slow movement over the warm waters of the Caribbean, amplifying the risk of severe flooding. The NHC characterized the situation in Jamaica as dire, cautioning about possible total structural failures in areas directly in Melissa’s path.
In the days leading up to Melissa’s landfall, neighboring countries such as Haiti and the Dominican Republic faced heavy rains, resulting in several fatalities. Preliminary reports from Jamaica indicate at least three deaths linked to storm preparations. Following its impact on Jamaica, the hurricane is expected to continue its destructive journey toward eastern Cuba, the Bahamas, and Turks and Caicos.
Preparedness efforts had been underway, with authorities activating over 800 shelters and pre-positioning crucial supplies, such as tarpaulins and hygiene kits, for distribution. The International Federation of the Red Cross has estimated that up to 1.5 million people in Jamaica could be directly impacted by the storm.
Prime Minister Andrew Holness reaffirmed the government’s readiness, highlighting an emergency response budget of USD 33 million. He also acknowledged the challenges posed by Jamaica’s infrastructure, especially in vulnerable low-lying areas like the historic town of Port Royal, and expressed deep concern over the expected damage to homes and agricultural lands.
As Hurricane Melissa approached, a palpable sense of resilience and unity emerged among officials and residents in their preparations. Community spirit was prominent as people came together to face what has been dubbed the storm of the century. With a strong commitment to safety measures and ongoing support from emergency services, there remains optimism that the communities will endure and ultimately recover from this formidable natural disaster.