标签： Dominica

The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has voiced profound concern and solidarity with the governments and citizens of Jamaica, Haiti, The Bahamas, the Cayman Islands, the Turks and Caicos Islands, and other regional nations directly impacted by the unprecedented Hurricane Melissa. This historic storm has placed these countries in a state of heightened vulnerability, prompting urgent calls for preparedness and resilience. CARICOM has lauded the tireless efforts of national disaster management agencies and emergency responders, who are working diligently to safeguard lives and ensure the well-being of affected populations. The organization has emphasized the critical importance of adhering to official guidance and information to mitigate the catastrophic effects of the hurricane. Furthermore, CARICOM has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to fostering a collective response to support recovery and reconstruction initiatives in the aftermath of the disaster. This includes leveraging the coordinated efforts of the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) to facilitate a unified and effective recovery process.

As Hurricane Melissa approaches Jamaica, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) has swiftly initiated early response measures to bolster the nation’s preparedness and safeguard vulnerable populations. The IOM is collaborating with local authorities and stakeholders to ensure the delivery of essential relief and protection services to communities most at risk. Meteorological forecasts predict severe weather conditions, prompting urgent action to mitigate potential devastation. The organization’s proactive strategy emphasizes disaster risk reduction, emergency shelter provision, and the protection of displaced individuals. This coordinated effort underscores the IOM’s commitment to supporting Jamaica in navigating the challenges posed by the impending hurricane, while prioritizing the safety and well-being of its citizens.

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.

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.