Three people died in a Category 5 hurricane. Melissa is coming toward Jamaica and is expected to be the strongest storm the country has ever seen
Jamaica is in danger of devastating rain, flooding, and destruction from Hurricane Melissa, which is currently a Category 5 storm with maximum sustained winds of 175 mph.
After at least three fatalities, Hurricane Melissa, the strongest storm of the year, is getting closer to Jamaica, threatening to cause devastating havoc.
Early Monday, Melissa was upgraded to a Category 5 hurricane by the US-based National Hurricane Center, which warned that it might become the strongest storm in Jamaican history. Officials are worried about record flooding, mudslides, and coastal destruction due to forecasted rainfall of over 40 inches (101 cm) and winds of up to 175 mph (290 km/h).
The storm has already cut a murderous path over the Caribbean, killing at least four people in Haiti and the Dominican Republic before tearing its way toward the northeast coast of Jamaica.
Jamaicans have been watching satellite photographs of Melissa’s enormous spiral tightening and strengthening with apprehension for days. On Monday, consistent winds of 270 km/h (168 mph) tore across coastal settlements as the outer bands started to lash the island.
Authorities have mandated evacuations in a number of high-risk locations, including Port Royal, a historic hamlet. Government shelters have taken in thousands of people, but despite officials’ urgent appeals, some locals are still reluctant to leave their homes.
While relief operations are being coordinated by the United Nations World Food Programme and other assistance organizations, Prime Minister Andrew Holness’s administration has set aside £25 million ($33 million) for an emergency response fund.
Flights were canceled, airports were closed, and emergency personnel were placed on high alert. Officials are concerned that if rivers overflow and roads become inaccessible, isolated villages may soon be sealed off.
Authorities in Jamaica are asking people to stay indoors and take all necessary safety precautions as they prepare for the storm’s maximum impact. A representative for the government stated, “This is an unprecedented threat.” “We prioritize saving lives.”
Mass evacuations and early warnings are hoped to be sufficient to save more tragedies as the island is currently being battered by torrential rains.
