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.
分类： world
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#EyeOnMelissa: Storm surge projected for Bluefield in Westmoreland
Residents of Bluefields and surrounding areas in Westmoreland, Jamaica, are being urged to prepare for potentially life-threatening storm surges as Hurricane Melissa approaches the island. The storm surges, characterized by a rapid rise in sea levels due to wind and atmospheric pressure changes, are expected to impact the south coast significantly. Evan Thompson, Principal Director of the Meteorological Services Branch in Jamaica’s Ministry of Water, Environment, and Climate Change, emphasized the severity of the situation during a press briefing at the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) on October 27. Thompson warned that even if the hurricane’s center moves off the west coast, south coastal areas of Westmoreland will still face dangerous storm surges. He drew parallels to past hurricanes, such as Michelle in 2007 and Wilma, which caused significant rainfall and storm surges along Jamaica’s southwestern coastline. Residents are advised to complete their preparations immediately, as large and destructive waves, peaking at nine to 13 feet above ground, are anticipated along the south coast tonight and on Tuesday, particularly near Melissa’s potential landfall zone.
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Trinidad and Tobago to gather hurricane-relief supplies for Jamaica
As Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm, approaches Jamaica, the government of Trinidad and Tobago (TT) has announced a nationwide collection drive to gather essential relief supplies for its Caribbean neighbor. Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar emphasized the urgent need for support, particularly for vulnerable communities expected to bear the brunt of the hurricane’s impact. In a statement issued on October 27, Persad-Bissessar expressed her “heartfelt solidarity” with Jamaica and called on TT citizens, businesses, and organizations to contribute to the relief efforts. She highlighted the importance of unity and compassion, urging the people of TT to keep Jamaica in their thoughts and prayers. The TT government is mobilizing resources, including manpower, technical assistance, emergency supplies, and foodstuffs, to aid in Jamaica’s recovery. The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management (ODPM), the TT Defence Force (TTDF), and several ministries are collaborating to ensure a coordinated response. The Ministry of Foreign and Caricom Affairs is also actively monitoring the situation and providing assistance to TT citizens in Jamaica. Hurricane Melissa was expected to make landfall by nightfall or early the next day, prompting Jamaica to remain on high alert. Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness expressed confidence in his administration’s preparedness and thanked Caricom leaders for their prayers and support.
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#EyeOnMelissa:Jamaica receiving pledges of support – PM
KINGSTON, Jamaica – Prime Minister Andrew Holness announced that Jamaica has secured significant pledges of support from both regional and international partners to aid in hurricane preparation and recovery efforts. The pledges come as the island braces for the imminent arrival of Hurricane Melissa, a powerful Category 5 storm expected to bring devastating winds, heavy rainfall, and widespread flooding. Holness expressed gratitude for the outpouring of assistance from entities such as the United Nations, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, the European Union, and the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA). Additionally, all member states of the Caribbean Community (Caricom) have offered various forms of support. Speaking at a press briefing at the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) in Kingston, Holness emphasized the unusual nature of Hurricane Melissa, which is anticipated to linger over the country for an extended period, increasing the risk of landslides and flooding in areas typically unaffected. The Prime Minister assured citizens that the government is fully prepared to manage the crisis, with plans already in place for relief, recovery, and rebuilding phases depending on the extent of the damage.
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#EyeOnMelissa: Power outages in parts of central Manchester, property damage in Grey Ground
As Hurricane Melissa’s outer bands sweep across southern Jamaica, significant disruptions have been reported in Central Manchester, particularly near Mandeville. Rhoda Moy Crawford, Member of Parliament for Manchester Central, highlighted the collapse of a cistern in the Grey Ground area, which necessitated the removal of a parked vehicle using a wrecker on Monday morning. The storm has left numerous communities without electricity, including the Knockpatrick Division, where areas such as Trowers, Newfield, Sunset, New Whales, Lucky Street, and Waltham are affected. Similarly, the Bellefield Division has seen power outages in Dayton, Providence, Content, Banana Ground, Nairpreston, Blue Mountain, Top Coffee Grove, and Bottom Coffee Grove. In the Mandeville Division, Greenvale Road, Confidence Avenue, Bloomfield, and Brumalia Road are also experiencing electricity disruptions. The Royal Flat Division, including Three Chains, has been similarly impacted. Authorities are working to assess the full extent of the damage and restore services as quickly as possible.
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Belizean Students in Jamaica Safe as Hurricane Melissa Nears Category 5 Strength
As Hurricane Melissa intensifies to near Category 5 strength, Belizean students in Jamaica have been assured of their safety by both Belizean and Jamaican authorities. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, Culture, and Immigration of Belize has maintained close communication with its Jamaican counterparts to address growing concerns about the welfare of Belizean nationals studying in Jamaica. According to the National Hurricane Center (NHC), Hurricane Melissa, now a Category 4 storm, is expected to bring catastrophic flooding, destructive winds, and life-threatening storm surges through Tuesday. Despite the severe weather conditions, the Jamaican government has confirmed that all international students, including Belizeans residing at the University of the West Indies (UWI) Halls of Residence, will continue to receive necessary care and accommodation. While Jamaican students have been advised to temporarily relocate, no foreign students, including Belizeans, have been asked to evacuate. Belizean students are encouraged to follow official guidance from Jamaica’s Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) and stay in contact with local authorities and the Belize High Commission. Currently, there are no plans for repatriation.
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Graveyards are now last option shelters in Gaza for Palestinians amid ruins
Amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, tens of thousands of displaced Palestinians, stripped of their homes by widespread destruction, have resorted to setting up makeshift tents in graveyards. This desperate measure underscores the severity of the situation, as the enclave grapples with the aftermath of conflict despite a fragile ceasefire agreement. Al Jazeera correspondent Hind Khoudary, reporting from Khan Younis in southern Gaza, highlighted the grim reality: ‘This graveyard wasn’t meant for the living. But today, it’s home to dozens of families who have nowhere else to go.’ Khoudary emphasized that these families are not choosing to live among tombstones but are driven by sheer desperation, as graveyards have become the only available free spaces. Rami Musleh, a father of 12 displaced from Beit Hanoon in northern Gaza, shared the emotional burden of raising children in such dire conditions. ‘For parents, the psychological trauma of war is made worse by having to raise children among tombstones,’ he told Al Jazeera. Another resident, Sabah Muhammed, lamented the loss of sanctity in these spaces: ‘Graveyards, once sacred for the dead, are now silent witnesses to a living crisis. No water, no electricity, and no privacy … only the bare minimum to survive.’ The poignant reality is that in Gaza, even the land reserved for the dead has become the last refuge for the living.
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Caribische bisschoppen waarschuwen voor militaire spanningen in de regio
The Antilles Episcopal Conference (AEC), the overarching body of Catholic bishops in the Caribbean, has voiced profound concerns regarding the escalating presence of military vessels and foreign troops in the southern Caribbean. The bishops warn that this development could severely impact the socio-economic stability, security, and daily lives of the region’s inhabitants. In a formal statement, the AEC urged government leaders to prioritize de-escalation, dialogue, and respect for national sovereignty, emphasizing that ‘war or the threat of war is never the right solution.’ They invoked historical papal teachings on peace and moral responsibility to underscore their message. Simultaneously, the AEC condemned the surge in narcotics activities in the region but stressed that violence and extrajudicial actions are never justified, even in combating drug-related crime. The bishops highlighted the tangible threats posed by warships and the disruption of maritime activities, particularly to fishing and coastal communities reliant on the sea. They called on regional leaders to uphold the Caribbean model of dialogue, cooperation, and peace, reminding them of the region’s historical success in conflict resolution through diplomacy. Concluding their statement, the AEC appealed to both leaders and citizens to remain committed to hope, reconciliation, and non-violent solutions, while emphasizing the moral duty to protect society’s most vulnerable.
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First ship calls at new Kingstown Port shortly after opening
St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) marked a historic milestone with the grand opening of the new Kingstown Port on Saturday, October 25, 2025. The event, held just two days before the nation’s 46th anniversary of independence from Britain, symbolized a transformative leap toward economic resilience and modernization. The first vessel to dock at the port was the Cyprus-flagged container ship FOUMA, measuring 166.15 meters in length and 25.26 meters in width, which arrived shortly after the opening ceremony.
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Aerodom responds to the effects of Storm Melissa: “So far, no flights have been canceled”
As Hurricane Melissa advances toward the Caribbean, the Dominican Republic’s airports, managed by Aeropuertos Dominicanos Siglo XXI (Aerodom), continue to operate without disruptions. Luis José López, Aerodom’s Communications Director, confirmed to arecoa.com on Sunday, October 26, that all scheduled flights are running as planned, with no cancellations reported. López emphasized that operations remain normal and that the concessionaire is prepared to communicate any changes to passengers through multiple channels if necessary. Aerodom has activated its Emergency Plan, with airport teams implementing preventive measures to ensure safety and operational continuity. Meanwhile, Hurricane Melissa, now a Category 4 storm with sustained winds of 113–136 knots (130–156 mph, 209–251 km/h), continues its slow but steady path past the Dominican Republic and Haiti. The U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) has warned of intense downpours, thunderstorms, flooding, and mudslides. Experts note that the storm’s structure is reorganizing, with decreased upper-level winds potentially allowing it to strengthen further. Melissa is expected to reach Category 5 status before making landfall in Jamaica early next week.