Overview of Hurricane Melissa’s Progress
According to the National Hurricane Center (NHC) of the United States, Hurricane Melissa intensified to a Category 4 storm with wind speeds of approximately 225 km/h as it slowly advanced towards the Caribbean islands of Jamaica and La Española.
Impact on Haiti and Dominican Republic
Melissa has already caused the death of three people in Haiti, while the Dominican Republic reported one fatality, a 79-year-old man, and a missing 13-year-old boy during the storm.
Angelita Francisco, a 66-year-old homemaker from Santo Domingo, shared her harrowing experience with AFP: “The water reached more than halfway up our house… The refrigerator was floating in the water, and debris accumulated inside our home. It feels powerless, unable to do anything but flee and leave everything behind.”
The Dominican Center for Emergency Operations reported that nine out of 31 provinces were under red alert due to the risk of sudden flooding, river overflows, and landslides. Five shelters were activated on the island of 11.4 million inhabitants.
Current Position and Future Path
As of early Sunday, Melissa was approximately 190 kilometers southeast of Kingston, Jamaica’s capital, and 450 kilometers southwest of Guantánamo, Cuba. The storm was moving at 8 km/h, suggesting it could affect both countries for several days before heading north and threatening eastern Cuba.
The NHC forecasts strong winds and heavy rainfall, which could lead to catastrophic and potentially fatal flash floods and landslides in Jamaica, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic.
“Rapid Intensification”
The NHC urged residents in southwestern Haiti on Saturday to “immediately begin necessary preparations to protect their lives and property.”
“Rapid intensification is expected to continue for the next day or so, followed by fluctuations in intensity,” NHC officials stated. “Melissa is expected to be a significant hurricane when it makes landfall in Jamaica Monday night or Tuesday.”
Jamaica’s Prime Minister, Andrew Holness, called on residents in flood-prone areas on Friday to heed warnings and prepare for potential evacuations.
Melissa’s rains have already caused road flooding in Kingston, as reported by local media.
No Threat to Mexico
Meanwhile, Mexico’s National Weather Service (SMN) reported that Hurricane Melissa poses no threat or effect on Mexican territory, so no alerts or recommendations have been issued for the population.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the current status of Hurricane Melissa? Hurricane Melissa has intensified to Category 4 with wind speeds of approximately 225 km/h and is moving towards Jamaica and La Española.
- Which countries are affected by Hurricane Melissa? Jamaica, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic are currently experiencing the impacts of Hurricane Melissa.
- Is Mexico at risk from Hurricane Melissa? No, the National Weather Service of Mexico (SMN) has reported that Melissa poses no threat to the country.
- What precautions have been taken by local authorities? Authorities in Jamaica and the Dominican Republic have urged residents to prepare for potential evacuations, while shelters have been activated.
- What are the forecasted impacts of Hurricane Melissa? The National Hurricane Center (NHC) predicts strong winds, heavy rainfall, and a high risk of catastrophic flash floods and landslides in the affected regions.
