As Hurricane Melissa approaches Jamaica, residents across the island are grappling with mounting anxiety and taking urgent measures to prepare for the storm’s impact. Forecasted to make landfall on October 28 as a Category 3 hurricane, Melissa has already begun to unleash its fury on the eastern parishes of St. Thomas and Portland, bringing flooding, powerful winds, and storm surges. The hurricane, which has lingered off Jamaica’s coast for several days, remains a formidable Category 4 storm with winds reaching 145 miles per hour as of October 26, located 115 miles south-southwest of Kingston. Its trajectory is also expected to affect Cuba and Haiti.
Dr. Kai Barratt, a lecturer at the University of Technology, shared insights with Newsday via WhatsApp, highlighting the community’s preparation patterns honed since Hurricane Gilbert in 1988. She noted the widespread rush to stockpile essentials like bread, water, and medicine, as well as the surge in demand for solar-powered devices and batteries. However, Barratt emphasized the disparity in preparedness, with wealthier individuals able to secure their homes while vulnerable populations remain at risk.
In Kingston, concerns about flooding due to unchecked urban development are prevalent. Despite the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) issuing a list of shelters, uncertainty lingers about whether all residents are informed. Amelia Dunn, a land manager from St. Andrew, described the frantic efforts to fortify homes and businesses, with many boarding up windows and securing supplies. She also expressed concerns about debris and prolonged power outages.
In Westmoreland, residents have been clearing debris and reinforcing their homes, though uncertainty about the hurricane’s exact timing has complicated preparations. A local resident criticized the government for delayed efforts in cleaning watercourses but acknowledged ongoing updates via social media. Meanwhile, major hotels have implemented emergency plans, relocating guests and securing property.
The Jamaican government has activated 881 shelters, with 218 people already seeking refuge. Ministers have assured the public of coordinated efforts by utility providers to restore services post-hurricane. Trinidad and Tobago’s Foreign Minister Sean Sobers also pledged support for Jamaica, dismissing claims of strained Caricom relations and emphasizing solidarity in times of crisis.