Jamaica is on high alert as Hurricane Melissa, now classified as a Category 5 storm, approaches with devastating force. The U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) issued the upgrade early Monday, predicting destructive winds and catastrophic flooding for the island. As of 12:00 GMT, the hurricane was located 135 miles southwest of Kingston, Jamaica, with sustained winds reaching 160 mph. Forecasters warn that Melissa could intensify further in the next 12 to 24 hours, posing an unprecedented threat to the region. The storm’s slow movement is expected to bring prolonged rainfall, with up to 40 inches anticipated in some areas over four days. Authorities have declared the entire island ‘threatened’ and ordered evacuations in vulnerable areas, including parts of Kingston. Prime Minister Andrew Holness has mandated immediate evacuations, and all 881 emergency shelters are now operational. Residents in flood-prone zones are urged to seek safety as life-threatening storm surges and damaging winds are expected overnight or early Tuesday. Hurricane Melissa has already wreaked havoc on Hispaniola, shared by Haiti and the Dominican Republic, claiming at least four lives and causing widespread flooding. In Haiti, three fatalities and hundreds of flooded homes have been reported, while in the Dominican Republic, a 79-year-old man was swept away by floodwaters in Santo Domingo. A 13-year-old boy remains missing after being carried away by strong currents. Meanwhile, Dominica’s Ministry of Education has confirmed the safety of Dominican students in Jamaica and Cuba, ensuring they are well-prepared and supported. The government continues to monitor the situation and maintain communication to safeguard all affected individuals.
Jamaica braces for a possible category 5 Hurricane Melissa; Dominica moves to ensure safety of students in Jamaica and Cuba
