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.
分类： world
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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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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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#EyeOnMelissa: Fisherfolk fear major losses as rough seas batter Savanna-la-Mar coastline
As Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm, approaches Jamaica’s eastern Westmoreland coast, residents of Savanna-la-Mar are grappling with the dual challenges of impending devastation and the lingering scars of Hurricane Beryl in 2024. Fishermen, in particular, are anxious about the potential loss of their fish pots, which cost approximately $60,000 each to replace—a significant financial burden for those still recovering from previous losses. Oshane Rowe, a fisherman from Wharf Road, voiced his frustration, lamenting the lack of support from local authorities and the slow pace of recovery. ‘We just started rebuilding, and now another storm is coming,’ he said. Along Wharf Road and Smithfield, boats and fish pots have been pulled ashore as residents scramble to secure their livelihoods. While some are preparing to evacuate, others, like Garnet Williams, are determined to stay and protect their homes and livestock. ‘I’m not leaving my son or my animals,’ Williams declared, though he acknowledged the risks posed by his home’s proximity to the sea and the threat of flooding from clogged drains. In Savanna-la-Mar, vendors have already closed their shops, and waves have grown noticeably higher, signaling the storm’s approach. At the Godfrey Stewart High School shelter, 33 residents, including infants and elderly individuals, have sought refuge. However, concerns about food shortages and medical needs are mounting. Sharon Atkinson, a diabetic amputee, expressed her distress over the lack of suitable food, while Theresa Grant, another diabetic resident, highlighted the instability of her home and her urgent need for medical attention. As light rain begins to fall, the resilience of Westmoreland’s coastal communities is once again being tested, with many still struggling to rebuild from the last disaster. Across the town, 17 shelters are now open, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the looming crisis.