The U.S. Embassy in Santo Domingo has announced the resumption of both routine and emergency consular services, effective this Monday. This decision comes after the Emergency Operations Center (COE) downgraded the alert level in Santo Domingo province from red to yellow. In a statement shared on the embassy’s official Instagram account, officials confirmed that the Visa Assistance Center at Sambil will also reopen and resume normal operations. The embassy attributed this move to the improved weather conditions and the diligent monitoring of Hurricane Melissa by local authorities. However, the embassy issued a warning, emphasizing that Hurricane Melissa remains a potent and unpredictable storm. It could still bring heavy rainfall and localized damage to certain areas of the Dominican Republic in the days ahead. Residents and visitors are advised to remain vigilant and stay updated on weather developments.
分类： world
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FLASH : Hurricane Melissa becomes Cat. 5, Haiti on maximum alert
On October 27, 2025, Hurricane Melissa intensified into a Category 5 hurricane, posing a severe threat to Haiti and neighboring Caribbean nations. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reported maximum sustained winds of 260 km/h and a central pressure of 917 millibars. Located 625 km south of Port-au-Prince, Melissa is expected to move slowly westward before turning north and northeast, potentially impacting Jamaica, Cuba, and the southeastern Bahamas. The Haitian Hydrometeorological Unit (UHM) has issued a red alert for the South and Grand’Anse departments, with orange alerts for other regions. Catastrophic flooding, landslides, and infrastructure damage are anticipated, with rainfall projections of up to 40 inches in some areas. Tropical storm conditions are expected along Haiti’s western coast, with hurricane-force winds extending 30 miles from the center. The Haitian Maritime and Navigation Service (SEMANAH) has suspended coastal shipping activities, and residents are urged to follow civil protection guidelines. Jamaica, eastern Cuba, and the southeastern Bahamas are also under hurricane watches, with life-threatening storm surges and heavy rains predicted. Authorities emphasize the need for vigilance and preparedness as Melissa continues its destructive path.
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A new gateway to growth: Celebrating Kingstown Port and the power of partnership
The United Kingdom and St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) have marked a significant milestone in their bilateral relationship with the inauguration of the newly modernized Kingstown Port. British High Commissioner to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, Simon Mustard, expressed his pride in the UK’s support for this transformative project, which symbolizes the strength of their partnership rooted in mutual respect. The port’s modernization, funded with over US$35 million in grants from the UK Caribbean Infrastructure Fund (UKCIF), represents a total investment exceeding US$250 million, making it the second-largest infrastructure project in SVG’s history and the most substantial UK-funded initiative in the Eastern Caribbean. The project is expected to drive economic growth, create jobs, enhance trade, and bolster the nation’s resilience to climate change. Already, the port has generated over 400 construction jobs, injected US$37 million into the local economy, and facilitated over US$50 million in exports to the UK in 2024. Additionally, the port’s state-of-the-art facilities, including a new mobile scanner, have enhanced border security. Beyond infrastructure, the UK-SVG partnership spans health, energy, environment, culture, security, and trade. Notable initiatives include the SMART hospital project, solar panel installations, and support for creative industries and heritage preservation. The UK remains a staunch advocate for small island developing states, championing their unique vulnerabilities in international forums. As multilateralism faces challenges, the UK and SVG are committed to defending an inclusive, rules-based international system and fostering a future grounded in resilience, equity, and shared prosperity. High Commissioner Mustard emphasized the importance of this partnership, particularly in the face of global fragmentation, and expressed optimism for continued collaboration.
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Categorie 4 orkaan Melissa: Jamaica bereidt zich voor op ramp
Hurricane Melissa has rapidly intensified into a powerful Category 4 storm, posing a severe threat to Jamaica with destructive winds, torrential rains, flooding, and landslides. Currently, the storm’s unofficial center is located approximately 120 to 130 miles southeast of Kingston, moving slowly westward, escalating the danger to the island. Meteorologists warn that Melissa could potentially strengthen further into a Category 5 hurricane. The U.S. National Hurricane Center has issued alerts for rainfall amounts reaching up to 760 mm across Jamaica, with localized areas potentially experiencing up to 1,010 mm. Additionally, storm surges of up to 4 meters are expected along the southern coastline. Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness has urged residents to take all warnings seriously and prepare for prolonged impacts, stating, ‘All of Jamaica will be affected in the coming days.’ Over 650 shelters have been activated, the Norman Manley International Airport has been closed, and emergency supplies have been distributed across the island. The storm is also expected to impact Haiti and parts of Cuba, further extending its reach across the Caribbean region.
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Hurricane Melissa Leaves Four Dead in Haiti and the Dominican Republic
Hurricane Melissa, a formidable Category 4 storm, has wreaked havoc across Haiti and the Dominican Republic, resulting in significant loss of life and extensive destruction. The hurricane triggered deadly floods and landslides, leaving a trail of devastation in its wake. In Haiti, at least three individuals lost their lives due to landslides and falling trees, while in the Dominican Republic, one fatality has been confirmed, and another person remains missing. Additionally, five people sustained injuries when a wall collapsed under the force of relentless rains and powerful winds. The Dominican Republic has placed four provinces under red alert, with 13 in yellow and 13 in green, as torrential rains continue to inundate the northern and southwestern regions. President Luis Abinader conducted an inspection of several dams on Sunday, expressing concerns over potential overflow due to the heavy rainfall. The Centre for Emergency Operations (COE) in the Dominican Republic reported that over 2,900 people are without electricity following the failure of 18 power circuits. Furthermore, more than 625,000 residents are without access to clean water after 60 aqueducts were shut down. In response, the COE has deployed drones to deliver food and essential supplies to remote communities isolated by flooding and landslides. Haiti has also reported collapsed bridges and destroyed homes as river levels surged dramatically.
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US warship docks in Trinidad amid fears of military aggression in the Caribbean
The arrival of the USS Gravely, a United States warship, in Trinidad and Tobago on Sunday has ignited a heated debate across the Caribbean region. While Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar emphasized the importance of safety and security in combating drug trafficking, Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley raised concerns over the “menacing military” presence of US vessels in the Caribbean Sea, urging dialogue to prevent potential conflicts. Mottley, speaking at the 86th annual conference of her ruling Barbados Labour Party (BLP), highlighted the region’s vulnerability to external threats, including the looming Hurricane Melissa and the escalating US military build-up. The Trump administration recently announced the deployment of the USS Gerald R Ford, the world’s largest aircraft carrier, to the Caribbean as part of its counter-drug initiative. However, critics argue that this move could be a pretext for a potential land invasion of Venezuela. The US Southern Command claims the enhanced military presence aims to disrupt illicit activities threatening regional security. Meanwhile, Trinidad and Tobago’s Foreign Ministry stated that the USS Gravely’s visit includes joint training exercises with the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force (TTDF), focusing on tactical proficiency and mutual trust. Persad-Bissessar defended the collaboration, citing the country’s high crime rates and proximity to drug trafficking routes. In contrast, Mottley and former Caribbean leaders, including PJ Patterson and Bruce Golding, reiterated the need to maintain the Caribbean as a “zone of peace,” warning against the destabilizing effects of military escalation. Mottley emphasized the importance of adhering to international law and resolving disputes through peaceful means at the United Nations. The contrasting perspectives underscore the region’s complex challenges as it navigates security concerns and the preservation of peace.
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Catastrophic Impact Feared as Hurricane Melissa Bears Down on Jamaica
Jamaica is on high alert as Hurricane Melissa, a formidable Category 4 storm, continues its slow advance towards the island. The hurricane, currently positioned south of Jamaica, has already unleashed heavy rains and fierce winds across eastern parishes, including Portland, St Thomas, and parts of Kingston. Forecasters predict that conditions will deteriorate further as the storm edges closer, with the worst expected between Monday night and Tuesday morning.
The Jamaican Meteorological Service has issued dire warnings, anticipating rainfall totals of 15–30 inches, which could trigger flash floods, landslides, and a storm surge of 9 to 13 feet along the south coast. In a press conference, Minister of Energy, Telecommunications and Transport, Daryl Vaz, emphasized the severity of the situation, urging citizens to take evacuation orders seriously. ‘We did not get a direct hit from Beryl, and we are due to get a direct hit from a Category 4, possibly a Category 5,’ Vaz stated. ‘This may be the one.’
Meanwhile, Belize’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, Culture, and Immigration has reassured the public that Belizean students in Jamaica are being cared for. The ministry confirmed that no foreign students have been asked to evacuate, as their safety remains the top priority. The Government of Jamaica has pledged to continue accommodating all regional and international students residing in UWI Halls of Residence.
As Hurricane Melissa looms, the potential for catastrophic damage is immense, with authorities urging residents to prepare for the worst and heed all safety advisories.
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Jamaica braces for major impact as Hurricane Melissa strengthens
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has issued a dire warning as Hurricane Melissa rapidly intensifies, posing a significant threat to Jamaica with destructive winds and torrential rainfall. The storm, currently located south of Jamaica, is moving westward at a slow pace of approximately 3 mph (6 km/h) and is expected to maintain this trajectory through the weekend. By October 27 and 28, the hurricane is forecast to turn north and northeast, potentially bringing its center near or over Jamaica and approaching eastern Cuba by midweek. Maximum sustained winds have already reached 115 mph (185 km/h), with higher gusts, and the NHC warns of continued rapid strengthening. Residents are urged to seek immediate shelter and remain indoors as conditions are expected to worsen significantly through October 26 and into October 28. A Hurricane Warning remains in effect, indicating that dangerously high water levels and exceptionally rough seas are anticipated within 36 hours, even if winds are below hurricane force. The storm’s impacts are expected to be severe, with the potential for widespread damage and disruption.
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Government of 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 has successfully evacuated its nationals studying in Jamaica ahead of the intensifying Hurricane Melissa. The evacuation, coordinated through the Prime Minister’s Office, saw 27 students board a chartered flight from Kingston, Jamaica, on Saturday evening, October 25, 2025. The flight was en route to Turks and Caicos before proceeding to St. Kitts on Sunday, October 26. Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew emphasized that the government’s prompt action underscores its unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of its citizens abroad. For students who chose to remain in Jamaica, arrangements have been made in collaboration with the University of the West Indies (UWI) and the St. Kitts and Nevis Student Association (SKNSA). These students are being housed in a secure hotel that meets safety and emergency standards, with official shelters also available if needed. The government is closely monitoring the situation in 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 keep in touch with their embassies. For assistance, contact details for key representatives have been provided, including Ms. Karyl Woods, President of the SKNSA, and Ambassador H.E. Verna Mills of the St. Kitts and Nevis Embassy in Cuba.
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#EyeOnMelissa: Melissa now a Category 5 hurricane, expected to turn towards Jamaica on Monday
Hurricane Melissa has escalated into a formidable Category 5 storm, currently positioned south of Jamaica, and is projected to shift its trajectory towards the island by Monday. The Meteorological Service of Jamaica reported that as of 4:00 am, the storm’s center was located approximately 205 kilometers (130 miles) south-southwest of Kingston, or 167 kilometers (104 miles) south of Treasure Beach in St. Elizabeth. Melissa is advancing westward at a speed of 6 km/h (3 mph), with a gradual turn towards the northwest and north anticipated on Monday, followed by a northeastward acceleration starting Tuesday. The hurricane’s core is expected to pass near or over Jamaica late Monday night and into Tuesday. Maximum sustained winds have surged to nearly 260 km/h (160 mph), with even stronger gusts. Further intensification is forecasted for Monday, with potential fluctuations in strength before Melissa makes landfall in southwestern Jamaica early Tuesday as a devastating major hurricane. Hurricane-force winds extend up to 45 kilometers (30 miles) from the center, while tropical-storm-force winds reach outward up to 315 kilometers (195 miles). Outer bands of the storm have already begun affecting southern and eastern sections of Jamaica since Sunday evening, bringing light to moderate rainfall. The Meteorological Service warns of rainfall totals reaching 350-750 mm (15-30 inches) over parts of Jamaica, particularly in central and eastern parishes, with even higher amounts in hilly areas. This deluge is likely to trigger catastrophic flash floods and landslides. Tropical storm conditions are expected to spread across Jamaica on Monday, escalating to hurricane conditions by Monday night or early Tuesday. A life-threatening storm surge, accompanied by massive and destructive waves, is predicted along Jamaica’s south coast, peaking at nine to 13 feet above ground level near and east of the landfall zone. Small craft operators, including fishers, are strongly advised to remain in safe harbor until all warnings are lifted and conditions normalize. The Meteorological Service continues to monitor Hurricane Melissa closely, urging all residents to stay vigilant and heed further updates.