KINGSTON, Jamaica — In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s catastrophic onslaught, Prime Minister Andrew Holness has officially designated Jamaica a disaster area. The Category 5 storm, which struck the island with ferocious intensity, has left a trail of widespread devastation and severe flooding in its wake.
Hurricane Melissa made landfall on Jamaica’s southern coast early Tuesday, unleashing relentless torrential rains and winds surpassing 175 mph. The storm later exited near Trelawny on the northern coast, leaving behind a landscape of destruction.
Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie revealed that the disaster declaration was based on recommendations from the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management. Reports of extensive damage have emerged from several parishes, including Clarendon, Manchester, St. Elizabeth, and Westmoreland.
McKenzie further confirmed that the hurricane’s impact has been exacerbated by severe flooding and multiple landslides, which have rendered numerous roads impassable and isolated several communities. “By late Tuesday, many areas remained cut off due to rising floodwaters and debris,” he stated.
Meteorologists predict that Hurricane Melissa’s eye will continue to move away from western Jamaica by Tuesday evening, with its trajectory shifting toward southeastern Cuba overnight. The storm’s aftermath has left the nation grappling with the immense challenge of recovery and rebuilding.