分类: world

  • Hurricane Melissa causes CAL to cancel flights

    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.

  • #EyeOnMelissa: Hurricane Melissa reduced to Category 4

    #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.

  • #EyeOnMelissa: Winds intensify in downtown Kingston

    #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.

  • #EyeOnMelissa: Gusty winds and rain still expected as Melissa moves away from Jamaica

    #EyeOnMelissa: Gusty winds and rain still expected as Melissa moves away from Jamaica

    As Hurricane Melissa, a formidable Category 4 storm, begins to recede from Jamaica, residents are warned to remain vigilant against persistent hazardous conditions. Rohan Brown, a representative from the Meteorological Service, emphasized during a press briefing that damaging hurricane-force winds are expected to persist, particularly in regions such as St James, Trelawny, sections of St Ann, and Hanover. The remainder of the island is forecasted to experience tropical storm-force winds and gusts. Additionally, scattered showers, thunderstorms, and heavy rainfall are anticipated in St James, Hanover, St Elizabeth, and parts of St Ann, while other areas may encounter light to moderate showers accompanied by strong gusty winds. Coastal areas are not spared, with rough seas and dangerous waves predicted along the south coast, and a storm surge of two to four feet expected on the North Coast. Although the eye of Hurricane Melissa was projected to move offshore by 5:00 pm, Brown cautioned that the storm’s eyewall and spiral bands would continue to bring heavy winds and scattered showers as the hurricane progresses.

  • No tsunami threat after morning earthquake

    No tsunami threat after morning earthquake

    A significant earthquake with a magnitude of 6.8 on the Richter scale rattled the eastern Caribbean region early Monday morning. The seismic event occurred at approximately 8:39 a.m., with its epicenter located in the Atlantic Ocean northeast of Barbados, as reported by the Barbados Meteorological Services. Although some residents in Barbados experienced mild tremors, officials have assured the public that there is no immediate danger or tsunami threat. Authorities have urged citizens to remain calm and continue with their daily routines while staying informed through official channels for any further updates. The swift response and clear communication from local agencies have helped mitigate potential concerns, ensuring that the situation remains under control.

  • Catastrophic category 5 hurricane bears down on Jamaica

    Catastrophic category 5 hurricane bears down on Jamaica

    Hurricane Melissa has escalated into a devastating Category 5 storm, posing a severe threat to Jamaica and other Caribbean nations. On the morning of October 27, the hurricane was reported to be approximately 205 kilometers southwest of Kingston, Jamaica, with maximum sustained winds of 160 mph—surpassing the threshold for a Category 5 storm on the Saffir-Simpson scale. The slow-moving storm, crawling westward at just 3 mph, is expected to unleash up to 30 inches of rain and a life-threatening storm surge upon landfall on October 28. This makes Melissa the most powerful hurricane in recent history to directly target Jamaica. Authorities have issued urgent warnings, with Desmond McKenzie, deputy chairman of Jamaica’s Disaster Risk Management Council, urging residents to take the storm seriously and avoid complacency. The hurricane is projected to continue its path, impacting eastern Cuba and the Bahamas by October 29. In eastern Cuba, hurricane warnings are in effect for Granma, Santiago de Cuba, Guantánamo, and Holguin provinces, with forecasts predicting up to 20 inches of rain and significant coastal storm surges. The storm has already wreaked havoc in Hispaniola, claiming at least four lives—three in Haiti and one in the Dominican Republic—while displacing thousands and damaging over 750 homes. Flooding has isolated numerous communities, with the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organisation warning of potential agricultural devastation as floodwaters obstruct access to farmland and markets. As Melissa continues to dump torrential rain over southern Haiti and the Dominican Republic, the region braces for further destruction.

  • 6.1 magnitude earthquake felt in Dominica, other islands

    6.1 magnitude earthquake felt in Dominica, other islands

    A significant seismic event occurred on Monday, October 27, 2025, at 8:55 a.m. local time (12:55 UTC), as reported by the University of the West Indies Seismic Research Centre (UWI SRC). The earthquake, measuring 6.1 on the Richter scale, was manually located using seismic data and had a depth of 29 kilometers. The epicenter was pinpointed at latitude 16.55°N and longitude 59.53°W, situated in the Atlantic Ocean northeast of the Lesser Antilles. The closest populated areas to the epicenter include Point-à-Pitre in Guadeloupe, approximately 225 kilometers to the east; Roseau in Dominica, about 249 kilometers to the northeast; and Saint John’s in Antigua and Barbuda, roughly 265 kilometers to the east-southeast. The UWI SRC has urged individuals who may have felt the tremors to share their experiences through its earthquake feedback portal. The initial location was determined using automated computer algorithms and is considered preliminary, with potential revisions following further analysis by SRC seismic experts.

  • Strong Earthquakes Felt in Antigua and Across Eastern Caribbean

    Strong Earthquakes Felt in Antigua and Across Eastern Caribbean

    A series of powerful earthquakes jolted the Eastern Caribbean on Monday morning, causing tremors across several islands, including Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, and Guadeloupe. The seismic activity began with a magnitude 6.7 quake at 8:38 a.m. local time, recorded by the University of the West Indies Seismic Research Centre (UWI-SRC). The epicenter was located approximately 264 kilometers east-southeast of St. John’s, at a depth of 12 kilometers. This initial tremor was swiftly followed by a sequence of aftershocks, including a magnitude 5.2 at 8:46 a.m., a magnitude 6.1 at 8:55 a.m., and a magnitude 5.4 at 9:26 a.m., all occurring at varying depths. Residents across the northern Windward and Leeward Islands reported light to moderate shaking, though no immediate damage or injuries were reported. The quakes originated along the boundary between the Caribbean and North American tectonic plates, a region notorious for its seismic activity. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation for potential aftershocks and urging residents to remain vigilant and review their earthquake preparedness plans. The UWI-SRC has encouraged those who felt the tremors to report their experiences to aid in ongoing research and monitoring efforts.

  • Jamaica braces for a possible category 5 Hurricane Melissa; Dominica moves to ensure safety of students in Jamaica and Cuba

    Jamaica braces for a possible category 5 Hurricane Melissa; Dominica moves to ensure safety of students in Jamaica and Cuba

    Jamaica is on high alert as Hurricane Melissa, now classified as a Category 5 storm, approaches with devastating force. The U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) issued the upgrade early Monday, predicting destructive winds and catastrophic flooding for the island. As of 12:00 GMT, the hurricane was located 135 miles southwest of Kingston, Jamaica, with sustained winds reaching 160 mph. Forecasters warn that Melissa could intensify further in the next 12 to 24 hours, posing an unprecedented threat to the region. The storm’s slow movement is expected to bring prolonged rainfall, with up to 40 inches anticipated in some areas over four days. Authorities have declared the entire island ‘threatened’ and ordered evacuations in vulnerable areas, including parts of Kingston. Prime Minister Andrew Holness has mandated immediate evacuations, and all 881 emergency shelters are now operational. Residents in flood-prone zones are urged to seek safety as life-threatening storm surges and damaging winds are expected overnight or early Tuesday. Hurricane Melissa has already wreaked havoc on Hispaniola, shared by Haiti and the Dominican Republic, claiming at least four lives and causing widespread flooding. In Haiti, three fatalities and hundreds of flooded homes have been reported, while in the Dominican Republic, a 79-year-old man was swept away by floodwaters in Santo Domingo. A 13-year-old boy remains missing after being carried away by strong currents. Meanwhile, Dominica’s Ministry of Education has confirmed the safety of Dominican students in Jamaica and Cuba, ensuring they are well-prepared and supported. The government continues to monitor the situation and maintain communication to safeguard all affected individuals.

  • Magnitude 5.2 Earthquake Shakes Antigua and Barbuda, Felt Across Eastern Caribbean

    Magnitude 5.2 Earthquake Shakes Antigua and Barbuda, Felt Across Eastern Caribbean

    A magnitude 5.2 earthquake struck the Eastern Caribbean on Monday morning, sending tremors across several islands, including Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Guadeloupe, and Martinique. The seismic event occurred at approximately 8:38 a.m., with its epicenter located about 161 kilometers off the coast of Marigot, Dominica, according to regional seismic monitoring agencies. In Antigua and Barbuda, the quake was strongly felt in areas such as St. John’s, Bolans, and All Saints, with the shaking lasting nearly 45 seconds. Residents reported rattling furniture and swaying light fixtures during the brief but intense tremor. While no damage or injuries have been reported thus far, local authorities remain vigilant for potential aftershocks. The Eastern Caribbean is situated along the boundary of the Caribbean and North American tectonic plates, a region known for its high seismic activity. This incident underscores the persistent earthquake risks in the area and highlights the importance of ongoing preparedness efforts.