KINGSTON, Jamaica — Tropical Storm Melissa has unleashed deadly floods and devastation across parts of the Caribbean, killing at least four people and threatening to become a major hurricane as it inches closer to Jamaica. Meteorologists warn that Melissa could bring over 72 hours of hurricane-force winds and torrential rainfall to the island as it continues to strengthen.
Melissa’s Path of Destruction: Four Dead, Thousands Displaced
Melissa’s slow but punishing advance has already left a deadly mark across the region.
In Haiti, three people were killed — two in a landslide in Port-au-Prince and another in Marigot after being struck by a falling tree. In the Dominican Republic, one death and one missing person were reported as heavy rains inundated low-lying areas and triggered flash floods.
The storm, moving at a mere 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) per hour, poses an even greater threat because of its slow pace, allowing prolonged rainfall and flooding. Forecasters warn that the system could dump up to 89 centimeters (35 inches) of rain across Haiti’s Tiburon Peninsula, with Jamaica expected to experience life-threatening floods and landslides in the coming days.
Jamaica Braces for Impact: “Take All Measures to Protect Yourself”
The Jamaican Meteorological Service has issued urgent warnings, with Principal Director Evan Thompson cautioning residents to prepare for a “double effect” as the hurricane’s eye passes directly over the island.
“The strongest winds will hit from opposite directions on either side of the storm’s center,” Thompson told The Gleaner.
The forecast has shifted dramatically since earlier this week, when meteorologists considered Jamaican landfall only a slim possibility. Now, the island faces a direct hit, and authorities are taking no chances.
More than 650 emergency shelters have been opened across the country, and airports are expected to close once a hurricane warning is declared. Prime Minister Andrew Holness urged Jamaicans to prepare immediately:
“Take all measures to protect yourself,” Holness warned, adding that residents should secure property, stock essential supplies, and avoid flood-prone zones.
Dominican Republic Suffers Major Damage
In the Dominican Republic, Tropical Storm Melissa has wreaked havoc since Thursday. Nearly 200 homes have been damaged, and over half a million people have been left without access to clean water.
In Santo Domingo’s Los Rios neighborhood, families were forced to flee their homes after nearby rivers burst their banks. The government ordered mandatory evacuations in multiple provinces and nationwide school closures as more than two dozen communities remain cut off by rising floodwaters.
Haiti Faces Dual Crises: Floods and Gang Violence
The situation in Haiti is especially dire. Thousands displaced by gang violence in Port-au-Prince are now enduring flooding in overcrowded, makeshift shelters.
“I’m dealing with two storms — the gangs and the weather,” said Nephtali Johnson Pierre in an interview with the Associated Press.
The U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) has warned that southern Haiti and Jamaica could receive up to 64 centimeters (25 inches) of rainfall by Tuesday, creating a severe risk of mudslides and flash flooding in mountainous regions.
Cuba and Regional Threat: Major Hurricane Expected
After passing Jamaica, Melissa is forecast to strengthen into a major Category 3 or higher hurricane before striking eastern Cuba on Wednesday. Meteorologists say the storm’s slow movement and high moisture content could cause extensive damage across Cuba’s coastal provinces, with storm surges and heavy rainfall likely to trigger widespread flooding.
Emergency Response and International Coordination
Governments across the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) are coordinating disaster relief operations as Melissa continues to intensify.
Regional emergency agencies are preparing search-and-rescue teams, medical response units, and relief flights to support areas most affected by the storm.
Neighboring nations, including Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados, have also issued marine warnings for rough seas and potential coastal flooding.
Outlook: From Tropical Storm to Major Hurricane
As of Saturday morning, Tropical Storm Melissa had sustained winds near 110 km/h (68 mph), just shy of hurricane strength. The NHC expects Melissa to reach hurricane status by late Saturday or Sunday, with continued strengthening over the warm Caribbean waters.
Forecasters caution that residents in Jamaica, Haiti, and eastern Cuba should monitor updates closely and heed all evacuation orders.
“Melissa’s slow movement means that rainfall will be prolonged and potentially catastrophic,” the NHC said in its latest advisory.
Leave a Reply