Hurricane Melissa has intensified into a Category 5 storm as it approaches Jamaica, raising alarms across the island. Forecasts indicate that the hurricane could bring catastrophic flooding, landslides, and extensive damage, marking it as the strongest hurricane to impact Jamaica since record-keeping began in 1851. The storm’s maximum sustained winds have reached an alarming 280 km/h, with projections of a storm surge up to four meters along the coast of Kingston.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Hurricane Melissa was located approximately 230 kilometers southwest of Kingston on the morning of March 12, 2024. The storm is expected to make landfall in Jamaica late in the afternoon local time before moving towards Cuba and the Bahamas.
Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness expressed deep concern for the safety of residents, stating, “I have been on my knees in prayer.” With historical significance, this hurricane is anticipated to cause unprecedented damage, as noted by Jonathan Porter, chief meteorologist at AccuWeather. He emphasized that Jamaica has not experienced a storm of Category 4 or higher making landfall in 174 years, with the last major event being Hurricane Gilbert in 1988.
The potential human impact of Hurricane Melissa is already evident. The storm has been linked to six fatalities in the northern Caribbean as it approached Jamaica. Mandatory evacuations are underway in flood-prone areas, with local government officials urging residents to seek safety in shelters. Despite these warnings, many individuals remain hesitant to leave their homes.
In Old Harbour Bay, a 64-year-old fisherman named Noel Francis stated, “I hear what they say, but I am not leaving. I can manage myself.” This sentiment reflects the struggles of residents who face difficult choices between safety and their livelihoods.
As the winds intensified overnight, reports indicated power outages in several towns along Jamaica’s southern coast. More than 50,000 customers were without electricity, and local authorities reported landslides, fallen trees, and downed power lines. The situation has prompted urgent calls for assistance, with Porter predicting a “true humanitarian crisis” if the storm’s impact is severe.
The storm is also impacting neighboring regions. In Cuba, a hurricane warning is in effect for several provinces, including Granma and Santiago de Cuba. Officials anticipate significant rainfall, with forecasts suggesting over 500 millimeters in some areas, leading to evacuations of more than 600,000 people, particularly from densely populated areas like Santiago, the island’s second-largest city.
With the clock ticking down to landfall, emergency preparations are in full swing. Shelters have been opened, yet reports indicate that fewer than 1,000 individuals have sought refuge in over 880 available facilities, a number that Jamaican Transport Minister Daryl Vaz termed “way, way below what is required for a Category 5 hurricane.”
Local residents continue to stock up on supplies, with grocery stores bustling as people prepare for the worst. Many are anxious about the potential for flooding, particularly those living near the coast. As the storm approaches, officials emphasize that the time for preparation is nearly over, urging everyone to take the threat seriously.
Hurricane Melissa is a powerful reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by communities in the Caribbean. The coming days will be critical as the region braces for the storm’s impact, and the need for international support may grow as the situation develops.
