Jamaica braces for direct impact as Hurricane Melissa reaches the most severe classification on the Saffir-Simpson scale. Authorities warn of catastrophic flooding, landslides and widespread disruption across the region.
The Caribbean is once again at the centre of a major weather emergency as Hurricane Melissa intensified into a Category 5 storm on Monday. According to the US National Hurricane Center (NHC), the hurricane is packing sustained winds of up to 260 km/h, with the eye of the storm approaching Jamaica’s southern coast.
Melissa has become the strongest tropical cyclone in the region in recent history. As it barrels westward at 5 km/h, the storm threatens Jamaica, eastern Cuba, Haiti, the Dominican Republic and the Bahamas. The slow pace of movement raises concerns about prolonged exposure to rainfall, flooding, and storm surges.
Major Evacuations and Infrastructure Shutdowns in Jamaica
Emergency response efforts in Jamaica have been significantly scaled up. As of Monday, both of the country’s international airports were closed, and mandatory evacuation orders were issued for seven flood-prone communities, according to the NHC. Public transport has been mobilised to relocate residents to safer locations.
Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness urged the population to comply with safety directives, saying, “Check on your neighbours, especially the elderly and vulnerable, and continue to pray for our nation’s safety.” In parts of eastern Jamaica, rainfall could reach one metre, with western Haiti also expected to receive up to 40 centimetres, as reported by the NHC.
Melissa is expected to make landfall in Jamaica on Tuesday, continuing on its path toward eastern Cuba and the Bahamas. The southern coast of Jamaica is forecast to experience a storm surge of up to four metres, which could severely impact low-lying communities and essential infrastructure.
Fatalities, Crop Damage and Humanitarian Impact Across the Region
Hurricane Melissa has already claimed lives. At least three people have died in Haiti, while another person was confirmed dead in the Dominican Republic, where more than 750 homes have been damaged and over 3,700 people displaced, according to national authorities. Access to 48 communities has been cut off due to flooding.
The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) noted that agricultural damage in Haiti has further worsened an already dire food security crisis, where 1.9 million people face emergency levels of hunger. Flooding has destroyed 15 hectares of maize, blocking access to farmland and markets.
Meteorological officials in Jamaica have expressed concern that recovery may be significantly delayed due to blocked roads and landslides. Evan Thompson, director at Jamaica’s meteorological service, said the storm “Could be the strongest hurricane Jamaica has experienced in decades.” Hurricane Melissa is expected to continue its course through eastern Cuba on Tuesday evening, with Granma, Santiago de Cuba, Guantánamo and Holguin under hurricane warnings.
