标签： Belize

On October 28, 2025, Hurricane Melissa, a historic Category 5 storm, made landfall in Jamaica with sustained winds reaching 185 mph, marking one of the most powerful Atlantic hurricanes ever recorded. The National Hurricane Center confirmed the storm’s intensity, issuing urgent warnings of catastrophic winds, life-threatening storm surges, and severe flooding. The United Nations described Melissa as “the storm of the century,” emphasizing the unprecedented nature of the disaster for Jamaica, which had never before faced a direct hit from a Category 5 hurricane.

Tragically, at least seven hurricane-related fatalities have been reported across the Caribbean, including three in Jamaica during storm preparations, three in Haiti, and one in the Dominican Republic. In Haiti, thousands of individuals already displaced by gang violence are now confronting flooded makeshift shelters, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.

As Melissa continues its destructive path, Cuba is next in line to face the storm’s wrath, with severe weather conditions expected to impact the Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands. Bahamian authorities have issued mandatory evacuation orders for residents in low-lying areas, cautioning that emergency assistance will be unavailable until the storm passes. The Disaster Risk Management Authority warned of imminent hurricane conditions, including dangerous storm surges and torrential rainfall, expected to hit the Bahamas and Turks and Caicos by Wednesday.

The Caribbean region braces for further devastation as Hurricane Melissa underscores the escalating threat of extreme weather events in the era of climate change.

Jamaica is in a state of high alert as Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm with winds surpassing 170 mph, nears the island. The hurricane, now the most powerful storm globally this year, is expected to make landfall this afternoon, bringing catastrophic winds, flash flooding, and landslides. Authorities and residents are working tirelessly to prepare for the impending disaster, with a collective effort to ensure safety and minimize damage. Amoy Harriott, a Jamaican reporter, emphasized the gravity of the situation, noting that three fatalities and 13 injuries have already occurred due to storm-related incidents. Over 200,000 residents are currently without power, and shelters are rapidly filling up. Agencies such as the Jamaica Public Service Company and the National Works Agency are actively working to restore services and mitigate further disruptions. Harriott highlighted the increasing severity of the situation, with flooding and landslides already affecting parts of the island. The National Hurricane Center has issued warnings, comparing the potential impact to that of Hurricane Gilbert in 1988. Hurricane Melissa is also expected to affect Cuba and other Caribbean regions, including the Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Hurricane Melissa, now the strongest storm of the year, is poised to strike Jamaica, bringing with it catastrophic and life-threatening conditions. The hurricane, with sustained winds of 175 mph, has been moving northward at a slow pace of around 7 mph, prolonging the period of extreme weather exposure. Meteorologists warn that Melissa could still be a Category 5 hurricane upon landfall, though the exact timing remains uncertain. Thousands of Jamaicans have already been evacuated, but the slow approach has left many in a state of prolonged anxiety and uncertainty. Forecasters predict that Melissa could become the strongest hurricane ever to hit Jamaica, with up to 30 inches of rain and a potential 13-foot storm surge along the southern coast. Similar impacts are expected in parts of Cuba, where rainfall could reach 25 inches and storm surges up to 11 feet. Residents in Kingston describe terrifying conditions, with one British woman reporting a ‘weird roar’ and a Jamaican man noting that the winds are so strong that standing up would be impossible.

As Hurricane Melissa, a Category Five storm, barrels toward Jamaica, Belizean students studying on the island are voicing their distress over the lack of support from their home country. The hurricane, described as the most powerful storm Jamaica has ever faced, has left many students feeling abandoned and unprepared. Among them is a Belizean mother who took to social media to express her desperation, pleading for assistance to secure shelter and essential supplies for herself and her two children. Despite her emotional appeal, no help has arrived.

Isareli Cal, a third-year law student at the University of the West Indies (UWI), shared that while the university has made significant preparations, including distributing care packages and securing the campus, the support from Belizean authorities has been minimal. Cal and other students have resorted to purchasing their own supplies to weather the storm.

In response to the crisis, the National Students’ Union of Belize (NSUB) has launched a fundraising initiative to provide financial aid to affected students. NSUB President Tomas Serrut emphasized the union’s commitment to supporting Belizean citizens during this critical time, calling on the public to contribute to their efforts.

Meanwhile, the Caribbean Commonwealth Student Association, led by Ashley Langford, is coordinating with regional student organizations to gather resources and assist students in need. Langford highlighted the challenges students face in securing basic supplies and stressed the importance of collective action.

Despite the challenges, Belize’s Honorary Consul in Jamaica has opened her home to students seeking shelter, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that all Belizeans on the island are safe. As Hurricane Melissa approaches, the Belizean community continues to rally together, hoping for the best while preparing for the worst.

Belizean Prime Minister John Briceño has assured the public that Belizean students in Jamaica are safe despite the ongoing threat of Hurricane Melissa. In a statement made on October 27, 2025, Briceño highlighted the unique logistical challenges Belize faces in evacuating its students compared to other Caribbean nations. Approximately seventy Belizean students remain in Jamaica, with many sheltered at their schools, the home of Belize’s honorary consul, or designated safe zones. While evacuation is not currently feasible, the government is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of the students. Briceño emphasized that the government is in contact with the students and will provide necessary supplies once the hurricane passes. He also noted that the Ministry of Education is coordinating efforts to assist the students, including funding for those who need to leave Jamaica. Despite the difficulties, the Prime Minister reiterated that the safety of Belizean students abroad remains the government’s top priority.