Haiti and Jamaica are bracing for the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa, with the Haitian Hydrometeorological Unit (U.H.M) issuing a red alert for the South and Grand’Anse departments. This highest level of warning signifies imminent danger from heavy rainfall and powerful winds expected to persist through the weekend and into early next week. Meanwhile, the Nippes, West, and South-East departments remain on orange alert, indicating moderate but still significant risks.
分类： world
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Melissa is reaching hurricane force: where it is and what effects it will continue to cause
The Dominican Institute of Meteorology (Indomet) has issued a critical update on Tropical Storm Melissa, which is currently positioned at latitude 16.3 north and longitude 75.0 west. As of 7:00 am this Saturday, the storm was located approximately 385 kilometers southwest of Port-au-Prince, Haiti, and 270 kilometers southeast of Kingston, Jamaica. Melissa is advancing northwest at a speed of 6 km/h (4 mph), with a projected shift to a westward/northwestward trajectory expected to persist through Sunday. A turn toward the north/northeast is anticipated by Monday and Tuesday. Indomet has maintained its warning, emphasizing that Melissa will bring frequent and intense rainfall, particularly affecting the southeast, southwest, and northeast regions, accompanied by isolated wind gusts. The storm currently boasts sustained winds of up to 110 km/h, with gusts reaching 130 km/h. Rapid intensification is forecasted, with Melissa expected to achieve hurricane status by today and escalate to a major hurricane by Sunday. Tropical-storm-force winds extend roughly 185 kilometers from the storm’s center, with a minimum central pressure of 986 millibars. As Melissa progresses northward, heavy rainfall is expected to impact Caribbean coastal provinces, where flood warnings remain active. Indomet highlighted significant rainfall accumulations in various regions, including Santo Domingo Este (177.9 mm), Centro de los Héroes (175.6 mm), and Los Prados (160.5 mm). The Government has also cautioned about abnormal wave activity on the Caribbean coast, with waves exceeding 8 feet. Small and medium-sized vessels are advised to remain in port, while tourist resorts are urged to implement precautionary measures to safeguard coastal facilities. On the Atlantic coast, vessels are recommended to navigate cautiously near the shore, avoiding open waters.
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Melissa brings intense rains: these are the areas most affected
The Dominican Institute of Meteorology (Indomet) has identified the areas most severely impacted by Tropical Storm Melissa, which brought torrential rainfall to the Dominican Republic on Friday. Greater Santo Domingo, including sectors such as Santo Domingo Este and Centro de los Héroes, experienced over 170 millimeters of rain within a few hours, leading to widespread flooding. Other affected regions include Los Prados, Bella Vista, and San Cristóbal, with rainfall exceeding 100 millimeters in many areas. Indomet has issued warnings as Melissa continues to pose a significant threat, with sustained winds of up to 110 km/h and the potential to intensify into a major hurricane by Sunday. The storm is currently located approximately 385 km southwest of Port-au-Prince, Haiti, and is moving northwest at 6 km/h. Authorities have urged residents in vulnerable areas to remain vigilant, as heavy rainfall and strong winds are expected to persist, particularly in the southeast, southwest, and northeast regions. Coastal areas are also at risk, with waves exceeding 8 feet, prompting warnings for small and medium-sized vessels to stay in port. The government has advised tourist resorts to implement precautionary measures to safeguard facilities near the coast.
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Belize Celebrates UN’s 80-Year Milestone
On October 24, 2025, Belize joined the global community in celebrating the 80th anniversary of the United Nations (UN), an organization dedicated to fostering international peace and security. The Government of Belize organized a series of events to mark this historic milestone, including a flag-raising ceremony at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the UN80 Belize Podcast, a youth-led discussion on the UN’s role in shaping the next century of global cooperation. Belize, which became a UN member on its independence day in 1981, has consistently contributed to international efforts, particularly through its support for the Sustainable Development Goals and partnerships with UN agencies. Raul Salazar, the UN Resident Coordinator in Belize, emphasized the organization’s founding principles of peace and cooperation, highlighting its significance as a platform for dialogue among 193 member states. The celebrations also featured a panel discussion with tertiary-level students, who shared their perspectives on global issues such as gender equality, youth advocacy, and international relations. Foreign Minister Francis Fonseca underscored the importance of multilateralism in addressing global challenges, urging member states to reaffirm their commitment to the UN’s mission. The event concluded with a flag-raising ceremony in Belmopan, symbolizing Belize’s enduring dedication to the UN’s ideals.
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Caribbean Leaders Question Growing US Air Raids
Caribbean leaders are raising alarms over the increasing frequency of U.S. military operations in the region, particularly following a recent airstrike off Venezuela’s coast that resulted in six fatalities. This incident brings the total death toll from U.S. airstrikes in the Caribbean to forty-three since early September. The targeted vessel is the tenth suspected drug-trafficking boat struck in recent months, sparking widespread concern among regional leaders. Belize’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Francis Fonseca, has expressed deep unease over these developments, emphasizing the need to uphold international law and maintain the Caribbean as a zone of peace. Fonseca highlighted that CARICOM, the Caribbean Community, has issued a firm statement condemning the unilateral actions and extrajudicial killings. He stressed the importance of following due process in addressing criminal activities, rather than resorting to militarization. The growing military presence in the Caribbean Sea has prompted discussions among CARICOM members, who are united in their call for restraint and adherence to legal protocols.
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FLASH : Melissa will become a hurricane today, flood expected
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has issued a hurricane watch for Haiti’s southwestern peninsula, extending from the Dominican Republic border to Port-au-Prince, as Tropical Storm Melissa is expected to intensify into a hurricane on October 25, 2025. Currently located approximately 385 km southwest of Port-au-Prince at 16.3°N latitude and 75.0°W longitude, Melissa is moving slowly west-northwest at 6 km/h. Forecasts predict a northward and northeastward turn by Monday, potentially bringing the storm near or over Jamaica and eastern Cuba in the coming days. Melissa is anticipated to produce torrential rainfall, with accumulations of 15 to 25 inches (38 to 63 cm) in southern Hispaniola and up to 35 inches (88 cm) in Haiti’s Tiburon Peninsula. This deluge is expected to trigger life-threatening flash floods and landslides, severely damaging infrastructure and isolating communities. Maximum sustained winds of 110 km/h (70 mph) are expected to strengthen rapidly, with Melissa likely becoming a major hurricane by Sunday. The Haiti Hydro-Meteorological Unit (UHM) has maintained an orange alert for several departments, including the South, Southeast, Grand’Anse, Nippes, West, and the Central Plateau. Additionally, the Haitian Maritime and Navigation Service (SEMANAH) has suspended all coastal activities due to hazardous swells. Authorities urge residents to remain vigilant, avoid waterways, and follow safety guidelines to mitigate risks during this critical period.
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Multi-Day Onslaught of Heavy Rain and Damaging Winds Forecast To Batter Jamaica as Melissa Approaches
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has raised alarms as Tropical Storm Melissa gains momentum in the Caribbean, with predictions indicating it will escalate into a major hurricane by the weekend. As of 5 p.m. EDT, Melissa was positioned approximately 215 miles southeast of Kingston, Jamaica, and 225 miles southwest of Port-au-Prince, Haiti. The storm is advancing northward at a sluggish pace of 2 mph, boasting maximum sustained winds of 65 mph and higher gusts, with a minimum central pressure of 995 millibars. A Hurricane Watch and Tropical Storm Warning are currently active for Jamaica and southwestern Haiti, with the NHC emphasizing the urgency of completing life-saving preparations. Forecasters anticipate Melissa will unleash life-threatening flash flooding and landslides across Jamaica, southern Haiti, and parts of the Dominican Republic starting late Saturday. Rainfall estimates range from 15 to 25 inches, with localized areas potentially receiving up to 35 inches, particularly on Haiti’s Tiburon Peninsula. The NHC has highlighted the risk of catastrophic flooding in southern Haiti and significant threats in Jamaica and the southern Dominican Republic. Hurricane-force winds are expected to impact Jamaica by late Sunday or early Monday, preceded by tropical-storm-force winds. Additionally, a life-threatening storm surge of 5 to 10 feet above ground level is predicted along Jamaica’s south coast, accompanied by destructive waves. Melissa’s slow progression exacerbates concerns, as prolonged heavy rain and wind could intensify flooding and landslide risks. The storm is projected to move westward through Monday, potentially affecting Jamaica before shifting north and northeast toward eastern Cuba by midweek. Authorities in Jamaica and Haiti are urging residents to stay informed and expedite emergency preparations. For updates, the NHC recommends visiting hurricanes.gov.
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United Nations Day 2025 message
Simon Springett, the United Nations Resident Coordinator for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, delivered a poignant message commemorating the 80th anniversary of the United Nations. In his address, Springett reflected on the UN’s enduring mission to foster international cooperation, peace, and sustainable development. He emphasized the organization’s pivotal role in addressing global challenges, from climate change to social inequality, and underscored the importance of collective action in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Springett also highlighted the UN’s historical achievements while acknowledging the evolving complexities of the modern world. His message served as both a celebration of the UN’s legacy and a call to action for renewed commitment to its principles. The statement was published by NOW Grenada, which clarified that it is not responsible for the opinions or content expressed by contributors.
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Statement on storm threat to Jamaica
The Government of Grenada has intensified its efforts to safeguard its citizens as Tropical Storm Melissa approaches Jamaica and the northern Caribbean. With a particular focus on Grenadian students studying in Jamaica, authorities are working tirelessly to ensure their safety and well-being. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in coordination with Deputy Consul General Kerry Frank in Miami, is actively engaging with students and local authorities to provide essential support and guidance. Plans are underway to facilitate the safe return of affected students to Grenada as early as tomorrow, contingent on weather conditions and logistical feasibility. Grenadian students in Jamaica are urged to remain vigilant, while families back home are encouraged to maintain communication with their loved ones and seek updates from the ministry. The government has also expressed solidarity with the people of Jamaica, offering assistance as needed during this challenging time. The Office of the Prime Minister reaffirmed its commitment to protecting its nationals and ensuring their safe return.
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US continues its show of force in the region
In a significant escalation of its counternarcotics operations, the United States conducted a nighttime strike on an alleged drug vessel in Caribbean territorial waters, resulting in the deaths of six suspected ‘narco-terrorists.’ This marks the ninth such operation in recent weeks, with reports indicating that two Trinidadians were among those killed. The strike, announced by US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on October 24, is part of a broader campaign initiated in September under President Donald Trump’s directive to combat drug trafficking in the region, particularly targeting Venezuela. The operation has seen the deployment of advanced US military assets, including guided-missile destroyers, F-35 fighter jets, a nuclear submarine, and thousands of troops. Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar has publicly supported the campaign, while CARICOM has reiterated its commitment to maintaining the Caribbean as a ‘Zone of Peace,’ emphasizing dialogue and peaceful conflict resolution. A brief video released by the US military shows the vessel being struck by a projectile, though no evidence of its cargo was provided. Meanwhile, the US Navy continues to expand its presence in the region, with a versatile warship scheduled to arrive in Port of Spain for joint training with Trinidad and Tobago’s Defense Force. The newly established Counternarcotics Task Force, led by the US Marine Corps, underscores the Trump administration’s intensified focus on combating criminal networks in Latin America and the Caribbean.