Jamaica is in a state of high alert as Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm with winds surpassing 170 mph, nears the island. The hurricane, now the most powerful storm globally this year, is expected to make landfall this afternoon, bringing catastrophic winds, flash flooding, and landslides. Authorities and residents are working tirelessly to prepare for the impending disaster, with a collective effort to ensure safety and minimize damage. Amoy Harriott, a Jamaican reporter, emphasized the gravity of the situation, noting that three fatalities and 13 injuries have already occurred due to storm-related incidents. Over 200,000 residents are currently without power, and shelters are rapidly filling up. Agencies such as the Jamaica Public Service Company and the National Works Agency are actively working to restore services and mitigate further disruptions. Harriott highlighted the increasing severity of the situation, with flooding and landslides already affecting parts of the island. The National Hurricane Center has issued warnings, comparing the potential impact to that of Hurricane Gilbert in 1988. Hurricane Melissa is also expected to affect Cuba and other Caribbean regions, including the Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands.