分类: world

  • Bahamas urged to monitor Tropical Storm Melissa hurricane threat

    Bahamas urged to monitor Tropical Storm Melissa hurricane threat

    The Bahamas Department of Meteorology (BDM) is closely tracking Tropical Storm Melissa, which is currently situated in the north-central Caribbean. The storm, which has the potential to intensify into a major hurricane by this weekend, poses a significant threat to parts of The Bahamas and surrounding regions. As of the latest update, Melissa remains nearly stationary, located approximately 360 miles south of Matthew Town, 440 miles southwest of Providenciales, and 675 miles south-southeast of New Providence. The storm currently boasts maximum sustained winds of 45 mph, with higher gusts, and is expected to strengthen gradually. Forecasters predict that Melissa could escalate to a Category 3 hurricane by Saturday. The storm is anticipated to drift northeastward today before shifting westward from Saturday through Monday. If the projected path remains consistent, the southwestern islands of the Southeast Bahamas, including the Turks and Caicos, could experience tropical storm or hurricane conditions as early as Tuesday. The rest of the Southeast and Central Bahamas are likely to face impacts from Wednesday into Thursday. Meteorologists have cautioned that interactions with the high terrain of Jamaica, Cuba, or Hispaniola could influence Melissa’s intensity before it approaches the archipelago. Despite these variables, residents in the affected areas are advised to prepare for prolonged heavy rainfall, strong winds, and coastal flooding starting Tuesday. The BDM has urged both residents and visitors to stay informed through official updates available at met.gov.bs.

  • 6 killed in new US strike on alleged drug-smuggling boat in Caribbean

    6 killed in new US strike on alleged drug-smuggling boat in Caribbean

    In a significant military operation, the United States executed a nighttime strike on a vessel allegedly involved in drug smuggling, resulting in the deaths of six individuals. The operation, authorized by President Trump, targeted a boat operated by Tren de Aragua (TdA), a group designated as a terrorist organization by US authorities. US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed the details in a statement on X.

    The strike took place in international waters along a known narcotics trafficking route in the Caribbean Sea. Intelligence reports indicated that the vessel was transporting illegal drugs. The operation marked the first instance of a nighttime strike by US forces in this context. All six individuals aboard the vessel, identified as male narco-terrorists, were killed, with no casualties reported among US personnel.

    Hegseth issued a stern warning to drug traffickers, emphasizing that the US would treat narco-terrorists with the same severity as groups like Al-Qaeda. He stated, ‘If you are a narco-terrorist smuggling drugs in our hemisphere, we will map your networks, track your people, hunt you down, and kill you—day or night.’ The operation underscores the US government’s intensified efforts to combat drug trafficking in the region.

  • #EyeOnMelissa: Tropical Storm Melissa slowly moving across the Caribbean

    #EyeOnMelissa: Tropical Storm Melissa slowly moving across the Caribbean

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has issued an urgent warning for Jamaica as Tropical Storm Melissa advances slowly across the Caribbean. The storm is predicted to unleash prolonged severe weather conditions on the island early next week, posing significant risks to life and property.

  • #EyeOnMelissa: Jamaica’s storm preparations should be rushed to completion — NHC

    #EyeOnMelissa: Jamaica’s storm preparations should be rushed to completion — NHC

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — The National Hurricane Center (NHC) issued a critical warning on Friday morning, urging residents of Jamaica and Haiti to expedite preparations for the impending arrival of Tropical Storm Melissa. The storm, which had initially stalled in the Caribbean Sea, began moving at a sluggish pace of two miles per hour by 11:00 am, heightening concerns over prolonged and severe weather conditions. The NHC emphasized the escalating risks of destructive winds, torrential rainfall, and life-threatening flash flooding, which could trigger landslides and storm surges across the region. Jamaica is particularly vulnerable, with the storm expected to unleash multi-day periods of hazardous weather starting as early as Saturday. Haiti faces catastrophic flash flooding and landslides, especially in the southwest, which could isolate communities and cause extensive damage to infrastructure. The southern Dominican Republic is also at risk of similar conditions, while Cuba has been advised to monitor the storm’s progress closely. Tropical storm warnings and hurricane watches remain in effect for Jamaica and Haiti’s southwestern peninsula, underscoring the urgency for immediate action to safeguard lives and property.

  • US warship bound for Trinidad for military exercises

    US warship bound for Trinidad for military exercises

    The USS Gravely, a US Navy destroyer, is set to dock in Port of Spain, Trinidad, from October 26 to 30 for a five-day visit. This deployment, announced by Trinidad and Tobago’s Ministry of Foreign and Caricom Affairs on October 23, will include joint training exercises with the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force (TTDF). The exercises aim to enhance tactical proficiency, maintenance procedures, and medical capabilities, fostering greater military cooperation between the two nations. The US military presence underscores its commitment to regional security in the Caribbean, particularly amid escalating tensions. The visit follows a heightened state of alert in Trinidad, where a state of emergency declared in July remains in effect until October 28 due to threats against senior government officials. Recent US military strikes against alleged Venezuelan narco-traffickers have further strained regional relations, with Trinidad and Tobago nationals reportedly among the casualties. US President Donald Trump has defended these actions, suggesting potential land operations against drug traffickers in Venezuela. Meanwhile, Trinidadian Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has urged calm amidst fears of regional conflict, while maintaining her support for US anti-drug efforts. Her stance has drawn criticism from Venezuela and strained relations with Caricom neighbors, who advocate for a peaceful Caribbean. The US has praised Trinidad for its alignment with regional security initiatives, as evidenced by its inclusion in a joint statement with six Latin American countries supporting Bolivia’s recent election results.

  • #EyeOnMelissa: MoBay airport cancels flights to and from Fort Lauderdale, NMIA remains open

    #EyeOnMelissa: MoBay airport cancels flights to and from Fort Lauderdale, NMIA remains open

    In response to an active tropical storm warning, MBJ Airports Limited, the operator of Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, Jamaica, has announced the cancellation of all flights to and from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, effective Friday. The disruptions are expected to continue through the weekend, affecting flights on Saturday and Sunday as well. Passengers are advised to contact their airlines directly for rebooking options and updated flight statuses. Despite the cancellations, Sangster International Airport remains open and operational. Similarly, PAC Kingston Airport Limited, which manages Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston, has confirmed that their facility is also open, with officials closely monitoring the storm’s trajectory and making necessary preparations. Travelers are encouraged to stay informed through airline advisories and adjust their travel plans accordingly before heading to the airport.

  • Govt to arrange evacuation flight for Bahamian students in Jamaica as Tropical Storm Melissa may soon be hurricane

    Govt to arrange evacuation flight for Bahamian students in Jamaica as Tropical Storm Melissa may soon be hurricane

    Prime Minister Philip ‘Brave’ Davis has announced urgent measures to ensure the safety of Bahamian students in Jamaica as Tropical Storm Melissa looms, with potential to escalate into a hurricane. The storm, currently drifting north-northwestward, is forecasted to intensify, prompting a Tropical Storm Warning and Hurricane Watch for Jamaica. In response, Prime Minister Davis has directed Foreign Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell and Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper to coordinate an evacuation flight for the students. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is maintaining constant communication with the students and will provide ongoing updates. The National Hurricane Center has issued warnings of severe weather conditions, including heavy rainfall, life-threatening floods, and strong winds, expected to impact Jamaica and parts of Hispaniola over the weekend. Alveta Knight, the Bahamian Consul General in Jamaica, reported that her office is closely monitoring the situation and ensuring that Bahamian nationals, particularly students, are adequately prepared. Approximately 160 Bahamian students are enrolled in Jamaican universities, alongside 20 to 70 permanent residents, though these numbers vary.

  • #EyeOnMelissa: Tropical Storm Melissa forecast to strike Jamaica as major hurricane early next week

    #EyeOnMelissa: Tropical Storm Melissa forecast to strike Jamaica as major hurricane early next week

    Tropical Storm Melissa is forecasted to escalate into a major hurricane and make landfall in Jamaica early next week, according to the latest updates from the Meteorological Service of Jamaica. The storm is currently positioned approximately 360 kilometers southwest of Port-au-Prince, Haiti, and 254 kilometers southeast of Morant Point, Jamaica. As it advances, Melissa is expected to traverse central Jamaica from south to north, potentially reaching Category 4 or 5 intensity upon impact. Principal Director Evan Thompson emphasized the severity of the impending storm, warning of catastrophic consequences including structural damage and widespread flooding. The island is bracing for torrential rainfall, with estimates of 300 to 400 millimeters expected to drench eastern parishes initially, spreading westward over the coming days. Residents are advised to prepare for strong, gusty winds and potential hurricane-force conditions by Sunday.

  • Tenth US strike off Venezuela claims six lives

    Tenth US strike off Venezuela claims six lives

    In a decisive move against narco-terrorism, the United States military executed a targeted strike on a vessel allegedly operated by the Tren de Aragua (TdA), a designated terrorist organization, in the southern Caribbean on October 24. The operation, conducted in international waters off the coast of Venezuela, resulted in the deaths of six alleged narco-terrorists. US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth confirmed the strike in a post on X, stating it was carried out overnight under the directive of President Trump. He emphasized that the vessel was identified by intelligence as part of a narcotics smuggling network and was traversing a known trafficking route. This marks the first nighttime strike in the ongoing campaign against narco-terrorism. Hegseth issued a stern warning to drug smugglers, vowing to treat them with the same severity as Al-Qaeda. Since September, the US military has reportedly killed 13 individuals in similar operations, including two Trinidad and Tobago nationals in a strike on October 14.

  • #EyeOnMelissa: Tropical storm warning and hurricane watch remain as Melissa stands still

    #EyeOnMelissa: Tropical storm warning and hurricane watch remain as Melissa stands still

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Tropical Storm Melissa, currently stationary over the Caribbean Sea, continues to pose a significant threat to Jamaica, with tropical storm warnings and hurricane watches remaining in effect. The Meteorological Service of Jamaica (Met Service) reported that as of 4:00 am, the storm’s center was positioned at latitude 16.0 degrees north and longitude 75.5 degrees west, approximately 445 kilometers southwest of Port-au-Prince, Haiti, and 224 kilometers south-southeast of Morant Point, Jamaica. A slow northeastward drift is anticipated later Friday, with a westward shift expected by Saturday, bringing the storm dangerously close to Jamaica by early next week. Maximum sustained winds are currently near 75 km/h (45 mph), with higher gusts, and further intensification is forecast, potentially elevating Melissa to hurricane status by Saturday and a major hurricane (category three or higher) by Sunday. Tropical storm-force winds extend up to 220 kilometers (140 miles) east of the center. The Met Service warns of significant rainfall, with eastern parishes expected to receive 200-350 millimeters (8-14 inches) through the weekend, leading to widespread flooding and landslides. This heavy rainfall is predicted to spread westward across the country next week. Jamaicans are advised to prepare for strong, gusty winds initially affecting eastern parishes later today and continuing island-wide into the weekend. Hurricane-force winds may occur as early as Saturday. Marine conditions are also expected to deteriorate rapidly on Friday, prompting small craft operators and fishers to remain in safe harbor until conditions improve.