The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has voiced profound concern and solidarity with the governments and citizens of Jamaica, Haiti, The Bahamas, the Cayman Islands, the Turks and Caicos Islands, and other regional nations directly impacted by the unprecedented Hurricane Melissa. This historic storm has placed these countries in a state of heightened vulnerability, prompting urgent calls for preparedness and resilience. CARICOM has lauded the tireless efforts of national disaster management agencies and emergency responders, who are working diligently to safeguard lives and ensure the well-being of affected populations. The organization has emphasized the critical importance of adhering to official guidance and information to mitigate the catastrophic effects of the hurricane. Furthermore, CARICOM has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to fostering a collective response to support recovery and reconstruction initiatives in the aftermath of the disaster. This includes leveraging the coordinated efforts of the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) to facilitate a unified and effective recovery process.
分类： world
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Hurricane Melissa: Earth’s Strongest Storm of 2025
Hurricane Melissa has intensified into the most powerful storm of 2025, with wind speeds surging to 175 mph, according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC). The Category 5 hurricane is now bearing down on Jamaica, posing a severe threat to the island nation. The NHC reported that Melissa’s winds escalated by 10 mph in just one day, signaling its rapid intensification. Tropical storm conditions are already affecting Jamaica, with catastrophic hurricane-force winds expected to commence tonight and persist into early Tuesday. As of this afternoon, the storm’s center was located 145 miles southwest of Kingston, moving at a sluggish pace of 3 mph. Despite the ongoing US government shutdown, NOAA hurricane hunters have been braving the storm to gather critical data. Meteorologist Andy Hazelton, who was aboard one of the aircraft, described the experience as ‘the most turbulent hurricane I’ve ever been in.’ The mission was cut short due to extreme updrafts and downdrafts, highlighting the storm’s ferocity. Authorities are urging residents to take immediate precautions as Hurricane Melissa continues to strengthen.
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IOM Mobilizes Emergency Relief as Hurricane Melissa Closes in on Jamaica
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has initiated emergency relief efforts as Jamaica braces for the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm. Natasha Greaves, IOM’s Head of Office in Jamaica, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, ‘We expect significant displacement, with many requiring immediate shelter and essential supplies.’ The IOM’s emergency response team is collaborating with Jamaica’s national system, prioritizing shelter, critical provisions, and data collection. Greaves highlighted the importance of established partnerships in ensuring swift and effective aid delivery. Hurricane Melissa’s outer bands have already unleashed torrential rains and powerful winds across the island, prompting the Meteorological Service of Jamaica to issue warnings of ‘catastrophic flash floods and landslides.’ Authorities have enforced mandatory evacuations in high-risk zones. The storm has already claimed four lives in Haiti and the Dominican Republic, underscoring its deadly potential.
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St. Kitts and Nevis Evacuates Students from Jamaica Ahead of Hurricane Melissa
In a swift and decisive move, the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis, under the leadership of Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew, has successfully evacuated 27 of its nationals studying in Jamaica as Hurricane Melissa intensifies. A chartered flight departed Kingston on Saturday evening, October 25, 2025, transporting the students to Turks and Caicos, with a subsequent journey to St. Kitts scheduled for Sunday, October 26. This evacuation underscores the government’s unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of its citizens abroad. For students who chose to remain in Jamaica, the government has collaborated with the University of the West Indies (UWI) and the St. Kitts and Nevis Student Association (SKNSA) to ensure their safety. These students are being housed in a secure hotel that meets stringent safety and emergency standards, with university shelters on standby if further precautions are required. The government is also closely monitoring the hurricane’s trajectory across Jamaica, Cuba, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic, maintaining active communication with regional partners and CARICOM institutions. Nationals in affected areas are urged to stay vigilant, adhere to local authorities’ guidance, and maintain contact with their respective embassies. For additional support, individuals can reach out to Ms. Karyl Woods, President of the St. Kitts-Nevis Student Association, or the Embassy of St. Kitts and Nevis in Cuba, led by Ambassador H.E. Verna Mills.
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Belizean Students in Jamaica Brace for Hurricane Melissa
As Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm with winds reaching 165 mph, approaches Jamaica, Belizean students on the island are making urgent preparations. The hurricane, one of the most powerful in Jamaica’s history, is expected to make landfall tonight, bringing catastrophic rainfall of 15 to 30 inches and triggering flash floods and landslides. The Meteorological Service of Jamaica reported that the storm’s center is currently 230 kilometers southwest of Kingston, moving slowly at 6 km/h before turning northward. Matthew Samuda, Jamaica’s Minister of Water, Environment and Climate Change, emphasized that the time for preparation is over, urging residents and international students to follow safety instructions and conserve water. Belizean law student Isareli Cal shared her struggles in securing supplies, noting that stores were running out of essentials. While the Belizean consulate has offered shelter to off-campus students, many, like Cal, are relying on personal resources and family support. The Belizean Ministry of Education, Science and Technology has pledged post-storm assistance to students. As the island braces for impact, the international community watches with concern.
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Jamaica in hoogste staat van paraatheid, doden al in Haïti
Hurricane Melissa has rapidly intensified into a Category 5 storm, barreling toward Jamaica with sustained winds exceeding 260 km/h. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has issued dire warnings of life-threatening storm surges reaching up to 4 meters, torrential rainfall of up to 1 meter, and prolonged exposure to destructive winds and waves due to the storm’s slow trajectory. This unprecedented weather event is being described as one of the most severe to ever threaten the island. Evacuations have been ordered across Jamaica’s southern coast, particularly in low-lying areas such as Port Royal, Clarendon, and Saint Elizabeth. Over 800 emergency shelters have been activated to accommodate displaced residents. Authorities are urging the public to heed evacuation orders and remain in safe zones. The storm’s effects are already being felt in Jamaica, with powerful winds and surging floodwaters causing widespread disruption. Meanwhile, in neighboring Haiti, Hurricane Melissa has claimed at least three lives due to landslides, collapsing walls, and severe flooding exacerbated by heavy rainfall. The country’s already fragile infrastructure has worsened the crisis, leaving communities vulnerable to further devastation.
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IOM formulating early response for Jamaica awaiting Hurricane Melissa
As Hurricane Melissa approaches Jamaica, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) has swiftly initiated early response measures to bolster the nation’s preparedness and safeguard vulnerable populations. The IOM is collaborating with local authorities and stakeholders to ensure the delivery of essential relief and protection services to communities most at risk. Meteorological forecasts predict severe weather conditions, prompting urgent action to mitigate potential devastation. The organization’s proactive strategy emphasizes disaster risk reduction, emergency shelter provision, and the protection of displaced individuals. This coordinated effort underscores the IOM’s commitment to supporting Jamaica in navigating the challenges posed by the impending hurricane, while prioritizing the safety and well-being of its citizens.
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Hurricane Melissa causes CAL to cancel flights
In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s catastrophic landfall in Jamaica on October 28, Caribbean Airlines (CAL) has announced the cancellation of multiple flights scheduled for October 29. The airline issued a media release detailing the affected routes, which include connections between Trinidad, Jamaica, the Bahamas, and Canada. Specifically, flights BW 414 and BW 415, which operate along the Trinidad-Kingston-Nassau route and its reverse, have been entirely suspended. Additionally, flights BW 79 from Kingston to Toronto and BW 78 from Toronto to Kingston have also been cancelled. CAL has assured passengers that rebooking options are available without incurring change fees, provided that the new booking adheres to the same cabin class. Rebookings are permitted for any service through November 20, 2025, with no penalties. However, all changes must be processed through the CAL Call Centre or at a Caribbean Airlines Ticket Office. The airline has clarified that it will not cover transportation costs to alternate airports or hotel expenses for affected passengers. CAL is urging travelers to register for real-time flight notifications and updates via its official website, www.caribbean-airlines.com, to stay informed during this disruption.
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#EyeOnMelissa: Hurricane Melissa reduced to Category 4
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Hurricane Melissa, initially a formidable storm, has weakened to a Category 4 hurricane shortly after making landfall in Jamaica. The National Hurricane Center reported that as of 2:00 pm, the storm’s center was positioned near latitude 18.5 North, longitude 77.7 West. Melissa is currently advancing north-northeast at approximately 8 mph (13 km/h).
Meteorologists predict a shift toward the northeast with increased speed by Tuesday evening, accelerating further on Wednesday and Thursday. The storm’s core is expected to depart western Jamaica by Tuesday evening, subsequently traversing southeastern Cuba late Tuesday night and early Wednesday morning. Melissa is then forecasted to move across the southeastern or central Bahamas later on Wednesday, potentially approaching Bermuda by Thursday night.
With maximum sustained winds nearing 145 mph (230 km/h) and higher gusts, Melissa remains a significant threat. It is anticipated to reach southeastern Cuba as an extremely dangerous major hurricane and could maintain this intensity as it progresses through the southeastern Bahamas. NOAA and Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunter aircraft are scheduled to conduct investigations into Melissa on Tuesday evening.
Hurricane-force winds extend up to 30 miles (45 km) from the center, while tropical-storm-force winds reach up to 195 miles (315 km). The estimated minimum central pressure stands at 921 mb (27.20 inches). Authorities continue to monitor the storm’s trajectory and intensity closely, urging residents in affected areas to remain vigilant.
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#EyeOnMelissa: Winds intensify in downtown Kingston
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Hurricane Melissa has unleashed its fury on Jamaica, making landfall in the island’s southwest region early Tuesday morning. As the storm traversed the island, its ferocity became increasingly evident, particularly in eastern parishes such as Kingston, where winds intensified significantly. By Tuesday evening, downtown Kingston bore the brunt of the hurricane’s impact, with powerful waves inundating the shoreline and uprooted trees littering the streets. The hurricane, which initially struck around 11 a.m., is projected to move offshore by late Tuesday, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. Authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant as the storm’s aftermath continues to unfold.