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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.

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.

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.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The early effects of Hurricane Melissa are already being felt in Gordon Town, St Andrew, as moderate winds and scattered debris disrupt local roadways. Observer Online reported that tree branches have begun to block sections of the main road in the Dublin Castle community, with only a handful of residents seen outdoors, many rushing to complete last-minute preparations before the storm intensifies.

In Redlight, Irish Town, conditions have worsened significantly, with stronger gusts sweeping through the area. One resident shared with Observer Online that heavy winds have persisted since morning, urging fellow Jamaicans to take the hurricane seriously and prepare adequately.

Superintendent of Police Randy Sweeney, overseeing the St Andrew North Division, confirmed that his team is on high alert and ready to respond to emergencies. ‘We are addressing the roadway issues collaboratively, working with various stakeholders to ensure safety,’ Sweeney stated. He added that workers and tractors have been strategically positioned across the division, with authorities maintaining constant communication to clear roadways as soon as conditions permit.

As Hurricane Melissa continues to approach, communities across Jamaica are bracing for its full impact, with authorities and residents alike taking proactive measures to mitigate potential damage.

Jamaica is on high alert as Hurricane Melissa, a formidable Category Five storm, is projected to strike the eastern regions of Westmoreland or western St Elizabeth early Tuesday. The hurricane is expected to traverse the island, exiting along the St Ann coastline by evening. Evan Thompson, Principal Director of the Meteorological Service of Jamaica (Met Service), delivered this critical update from the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) in Kingston on Monday. Thompson emphasized the unpredictability of the storm’s path, noting a slight possibility it could shift westward, sparing the island from its full wrath. However, he urged residents to prepare for the worst-case scenario, as the hurricane could still make landfall as a Category Four or Five storm. The hurricane is anticipated to bring devastating winds, particularly in Westmoreland and St Elizabeth, with tropical storm-force winds likely affecting the entire island. Rainfall totals could soar up to 30 inches, with storm surges reaching up to 14 feet in Black River, St Elizabeth. Thompson also warned of potential storm surges in other coastal areas, including Clarendon, Old Harbour Bay, and parts of Kingston and St Andrew. Authorities are urging residents to take immediate precautions and stay informed as the storm approaches.