In southwestern Jamaica, severe flooding occurred as Hurricane Melissa made landfall as a catastrophic Category 5 storm, one of the strongest Atlantic hurricanes ever recorded. The powerful storm brought winds reaching 295 km/h near New Hope, causing landslides, fallen trees, and widespread power outages. Officials warned that the assessment of damage and cleanup efforts might be slow due to the extent of destruction.
Prime Minister Andrew Holness stated, “No infrastructure in the region can withstand a Category 5 hurricane. The focus now is on the speed of recovery, which poses a significant challenge.” Families in Black River were stranded in their homes as floodwaters rose, and rescue operations were hindered by perilous conditions, according to Desmond McKenzie, deputy chairman of Jamaica’s Disaster Risk Management Council.
“We witnessed roofs being torn off buildings,” McKenzie remarked. “We are hopeful that conditions will improve soon to allow for rescue attempts.” Extensive damage was reported in St. Elizabeth parish, with McKenzie noting that the area is largely submerged underwater.
Jamaica’s Meteorological Service warned of a heavy storm surge affecting northern Jamaica as Melissa moves away from the coast. The hurricane is projected to impact Cuba next, making landfall as a major hurricane early Wednesday. Thousands sought shelter in Jamaica, with a majority experiencing power outages, while some residents chose to stay put despite evacuation orders.
Reports confirmed seven fatalities in the Caribbean due to the storm, with three deaths in Jamaica and significant damage reported across the region. Officials emphasized readiness for rescue operations once the storm subsides, with boats and helicopters on standby. The storm’s impact extended to Haiti and the Dominican Republic, where additional casualties were reported.
Melissa’s sustained winds of 205 km/h posed a threat as it moved towards the Caribbean Sea, prompting warnings in Kingston about potential crocodile displacements. Significant rainfall and storm surge were forecast for eastern Cuba, with President Miguel Diaz-Canel urging residents to take precautions against the unprecedented storm. The Canadian government issued travel advisories and established emergency response centers to assist those affected by Hurricane Melissa.
The Canadian Hurricane Centre issued an advisory for eastern Canada, anticipating the storm’s impact on the region’s weather. While Melissa’s wind circulation was expected to track offshore, eastern Canada could experience strong winds and rainfall influenced by the hurricane’s moisture. The situation remains dynamic as authorities monitor the storm’s progression.