Kingston, Jamaica: Hurricane Melissa, the island’s strongest storm in decades, struck on Monday morning, unleashing catastrophic winds, heavy rain, and island-wide flooding. The Category 4 hurricane, which brought sustained winds of almost 220 km/h, has left a trail of devastation, with a national emergency being declared by officials.
Extensive devastation and power disruptions
Hurricane hit Jamaica’s south coast in the vicinity of Clarendon Parish before sweeping through central and northern areas. The storm was responsible for uprooting trees, downing power cables, and ruining hundreds of houses. A few areas of Kingston, Montego Bay, and St. Ann have no electricity, and communication lines are still partially out of action. Local authorities have asked people to remain indoors while emergency teams work on removing blocked roads and rescuing stranded individuals.
According to Jamaica’s Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), at least five deaths have been reported so far, though officials fear the toll could rise as rescue operations continue. Thousands have been evacuated from coastal areas, and temporary shelters have been set up in schools and community halls across the island.
Heaviest rainfall in years
Meteorologists have warned that the hurricane could dump more than 300 mm of rain in some regions, triggering flash floods and landslides. Rivers in Clarendon and St. Elizabeth have already overflowed, submerging nearby villages. “This is one of the heaviest rain events we’ve seen in decades,” said a spokesperson for the Jamaica Meteorological Service.
Government response and global aid
Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness spoke to the country, calling for calm and reassuring citizens that all emergency services were at heightened alert. “Our priority is to safeguard lives and repair key infrastructure as promptly as possible,” he said. Various Caribbean countries and international organizations, such as the United States and the United Nations, have offered help for relief and recovery.
Storm expected to weaken
As Hurricane Melissa heads northwest, it is forecasted to gradually weaken as it makes its way towards Cuba and the Cayman Islands. But experts caution that heavy rainfall and fierce winds can still bring extensive damage along its trajectory.
Melissa is the most powerful hurricane to strike Jamaica since Hurricane Gilbert in 1988, said authorities, as they cite increasing intensity of tropical storms in the area because of global warming and rising sea temperatures.
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