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As Hurricane Melissa approaches Jamaica’s south-western coast, authorities in St Elizabeth are intensifying efforts to ensure public safety. With the storm expected to make landfall on Tuesday, local officials are urging residents to remain indoors and avoid unnecessary travel. Superintendent Coleridge Minto, head of the St Elizabeth Police Division, emphasized that law enforcement is fully mobilized to enforce safety measures and keep citizens off the streets during the hurricane. ‘We are appealing to everybody to remain indoors,’ he stated firmly. Meanwhile, Black River Mayor Richard Solomon highlighted that emergency preparations are complete, with 29 shelters already accommodating 360 individuals. This marks a significant increase from last year’s Hurricane Beryl, which saw 100 people seeking refuge. Both officials reiterated their commitment to safeguarding the community, particularly those in flood-prone and coastal areas, and encouraged residents to heed evacuation advisories and stay updated through official channels.

Residents of Little Haiti, a squatter settlement in Negril, Jamaica, are facing a dire situation as Hurricane Melissa, forecasted to hit as a Category 5 storm, approaches. The fragile structures of their homes are unlikely to withstand the hurricane’s powerful winds, raising significant concerns for their safety. Councillor Arthel Colley, representing the Negril Division of the People’s National Party, emphasized the urgency of evacuation, stating, ‘My greatest concern is the hurricane wind and Little Haiti. The houses are not sturdy enough to endure such conditions.’ Despite efforts to relocate residents, many are reluctant to leave, fearing theft of their belongings if they abandon their homes. The area, located within the Nonpareil Road/Whitehall zone, is also prone to severe flooding, particularly during heavy rains when water flows from Mount Airy onto the main road near the Texaco Service Station. Elaine Allen Bradley, President of the Negril Chamber of Commerce, expressed additional worries about the lack of nearby shelters, noting that the closest options are in Sheffield or Mount Airy. In preparation, Councillor Colley reported that several drains in Negril have been cleaned to mitigate flooding risks. However, the community remains vulnerable as the storm looms, highlighting the urgent need for effective disaster response and long-term infrastructure improvements.

As Hurricane Melissa approaches Jamaica, Councillor Garth Wilkinson of the People’s National Party (Falmouth Division) has raised significant concerns about the safety of the emergency shelter located at Salt Marsh Primary School in Trelawny. The shelter, one of 42 designated across the parish, is situated near a gully that is highly susceptible to flooding during heavy rainfall, posing a potential risk to those seeking refuge there. Wilkinson emphasized the challenges of mitigating flood risks at the location, stating, ‘In case of any flooding, you would have to evacuate the residents who seek shelter at the facility. I have some issues with it.’ He further expressed uncertainty about how to address potential disasters at the site. During an emergency disaster meeting on Wednesday, Mayor of Falmouth, Councillor C Junior Gager, urged local councillors to utilize their August allocations from the Trelawny Municipal Corporation to clean drains across the parish. Wilkinson reported that drain-clearing efforts in Falmouth began immediately after the meeting and continued until late Sunday afternoon. He highlighted the urgency of these measures, noting that Falmouth, Zion, and other areas are particularly flood-prone, with Falmouth being below sea level. ‘We have to do all that we can to mitigate against flooding,’ Wilkinson stressed, underscoring the critical need for preparedness as the hurricane looms.

The early onslaught of Hurricane Melissa has significantly impacted Portland, Jamaica, prompting the activation of 52 out of 74 designated shelters across the parish. As of late Monday evening, these shelters housed 295 individuals, including 107 adult females, 99 adult males, 48 female children, and 41 male children. The storm’s effects have been widespread, with landslides blocking key roads such as Cascade and Birnamwood in the Buff Bay Valley and Bellevue in the Rio Grande Valley. Although these roads were later cleared, other disruptions, such as a fallen tree and utility pole on Sommers Lane in Port Antonio, further complicated travel. High waves and strong winds in the Manchioneal area forced residents to seek refuge at the Manchioneal Primary School. Additionally, several areas, including Islington, Boston, Fairy Hill, and parts of Norwich Heights, remain without electricity. In response to the crisis, the Bring Back The Love Buff Bay Valley Foundation has stepped in to provide care packages to shelters in Charles Town, Tranquillity, Birnamwood, Cascade, Avocat, and the Woodstock Housing Scheme. Cassandra Bennett, the foundation’s president, emphasized the importance of their efforts, noting that government aid through the Ministry of Labour and Social Security often arrives late. The foundation also assists individuals unable to reach shelters, including shut-ins and those with visual impairments. As of now, the weather in Portland remains overcast with intermittent drizzles and low winds.