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.
分类： world
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Melissa Becomes Monster Category 5 Hurricane
Hurricane Melissa has escalated into a formidable Category 5 storm, posing a severe threat to Jamaica with its potential for devastating rainfall, destructive winds, and life-threatening storm surges. As of Monday, the U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) in Miami reported that Melissa was positioned approximately 130 miles south-southwest of Kingston, Jamaica, and about 315 miles south-southwest of Guantánamo, Cuba. The hurricane boasts maximum sustained winds of 160 miles per hour and is advancing westward at a sluggish pace of just 3 mph. Forecasters predict that Melissa will make landfall in Jamaica on Tuesday, subsequently traversing Cuba and the Bahamas through Wednesday. The NHC has issued warnings that the storm’s slow movement could result in up to 30 inches of rainfall across Jamaica, exacerbating the risk of flooding and other hazards. Melissa is now recognized as the most potent hurricane in recent history to directly threaten Jamaica. The storm’s intensity has already claimed lives, with at least three fatalities reported in Haiti and one in the Dominican Republic, where another individual remains missing. In response to the impending crisis, Jamaican authorities have activated emergency shelters and mandated evacuations for residents in low-lying and coastal areas.
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Police say military aircraft, paratroopers not linked to regional tensions
The Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF) issued a statement late Sunday night to address public concerns regarding recent military aircraft activity and paratroopers observed in the region. The RSVGPF emphasized that these activities are not connected to regional tensions or foreign military operations but are instead part of planned Independence Day celebrations. The events, which include ceremonial exhibitions, are professionally supervised and form part of the official program marking the nation’s 46th Anniversary of Independence. The RSVGPF acknowledged that in the current climate of international uncertainty, citizens may be naturally curious or concerned about unfamiliar aerial maneuvers. However, the constabulary urged the public to distinguish between verified information and online speculation, rejecting any claims of jamming devices, airspace restrictions, or security threats as entirely false and misleading. The statement followed the circulation of a video on social media showing a paratrooper landing on the Bank of St. Vincent and the Grenadines building in Kingstown, which sparked various theories about the individual’s intentions. The RSVGPF called on media entities and citizens to verify information through official channels and encouraged Vincentians to focus on the spirit of unity and pride during the celebrations. Meanwhile, the participation of Guyanese skydivers in the Independence Day parade at Arnos Vale was intended to be a surprise, though a Facebook post by the team hinted at their involvement. The post has since been removed. Tensions in the southern Caribbean remain high, particularly with the recent docking of the USS Gravely in Trinidad and Tobago and the Trump administration’s announcement of increased military presence in the region under the guise of counter-drug initiatives. Critics argue that these deployments may be a pretext for a potential land invasion of Venezuela.
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Governor General Joins in Celebration of Diwali – The Indian Festival of Light
On the evening of October 25, 2025, His Excellency Sir Rodney Williams, Governor-General of Antigua and Barbuda, graced the 2025 Diwali Festival Celebration at the Sir John E. St. Luce Financial Centre in Factory Road. The event, organized by the Honourary Consul of India, Mr. Vijay Tewani, brought together a distinguished gathering of diplomats, members of the Indian community, and friends of India. Among the attendees were representatives from Cuba, Venezuela, and the United Kingdom. In his address, Sir Rodney Williams praised Mr. Tewani for his unwavering dedication to fostering stronger ties between Antigua and Barbuda and India. He eloquently described Diwali as a celebration that symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and hope over despair. The Governor-General also underscored the enduring partnership between the two nations, highlighting India’s significant contributions to Antigua and Barbuda’s development, particularly in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma and during the COVID-19 pandemic. He emphasized ongoing collaborations in education, health, digital technology, investment, and tourism. Reflecting on his and Lady Williams’ previous visits to India as Chief Guests at international conferences, Sir Rodney expressed admiration for India’s rich cultural heritage and its steadfast commitment to global peace and understanding. The festival was marked by vibrant cultural performances, traditional Indian attire, delectable cuisine, and the ceremonial lighting of lamps, symbolizing the triumph of light and goodness.
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Sir Ronald Sanders to be Opening Speaker at United Nations Launch of Report on Arbitrary Detention
Ambassador Sir Ronald Sanders of Antigua and Barbuda, who serves as the nation’s representative to the United States and the Organization of American States, will deliver the opening address at the United Nations’ launch of the Independent International Panel’s Report on Arbitrary Detention in State-to-State Relations. The event is scheduled for October 28, 2025, at the UN Headquarters in New York, coinciding with International Law Week. The initiative is jointly organized by Antigua and Barbuda and Canada, with additional support from Australia, Denmark, Germany, and the Netherlands. The groundbreaking report represents the first comprehensive legal examination of arbitrary detention practices, where foreign nationals are detained by one state to exert pressure on another—a practice that contravenes international law and undermines trust between nations. The document provides detailed legal analysis and actionable recommendations to enhance prevention, protection, and accountability. Ambassador Sanders will highlight Antigua and Barbuda’s early support for the Declaration Against Arbitrary Detention in State-to-State Relations, emphasizing the unique challenges faced by smaller states with limited consular resources. He will assert that such detentions constitute coercion rather than diplomacy. The event will also feature contributions from notable experts, including Dr. Marja Lehto, Vice-Chair of the Panel; Dr. Jean-Michel Arrighi, Secretary for Legal Affairs at the Organization of American States; Dr. Elina Šteinerte, Vice Chair of the UN Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture; and Dr. Alice Jill Edwards, UN Special Rapporteur on Torture. The session will be broadcast live on UN WebTV from 1:15 to 2:30 p.m. EDT.
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Dominicans in Jamaica brace for Hurricane Melissa
Jamaica is on high alert as Hurricane Melissa, now a Category 5 storm, threatens to unleash catastrophic damage on the island. The storm’s approach has sparked widespread concern, particularly among the Dominican community residing in Jamaica, as reported by Listín Diario. Evelyn Abreu, a Dominican journalist based in Kingston for seven years, highlighted the palpable anxiety among residents. She emphasized Jamaica’s vulnerability due to its fragile soil and compact size, which heighten the risks of severe flooding, landslides, and structural damage. The U.S. National Hurricane Center has warned of relentless heavy rains and powerful winds, exacerbating fears of widespread destruction. In preparation, supermarkets across the island have witnessed frantic panic buying, with essential items like bread, meat, and sausages rapidly disappearing from shelves. Residents are stockpiling canned goods and water, while many are fortifying their homes with wood and tape to shield windows and doors. Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston has suspended operations, leaving numerous tourists stranded. Prime Minister Andrew Holness has mobilized the government to ensure maximum preparedness, halting construction projects and clearing debris to mitigate risks. Schools remain closed indefinitely as the storm continues to batter the island with torrential rains and turbulent seas. Forecasters predict conditions will deteriorate further as Melissa edges closer, leaving Jamaica bracing for the worst.