Hurricane Melissa: A Category 5 Storm Heading Towards Jamaica
Hurricane Melissa, a powerful Category 5 storm with maximum sustained winds of 290 kilometers per hour, is set to make landfall in Jamaica within hours. This storm poses a significant threat, with torrential rains and destructive winds that could devastate Jamaica’s infrastructure, according to warnings from local authorities.
As one of the strongest hurricanes ever to approach Jamaica, Melissa is expected to leave a lasting impact similar to historical hurricanes like Maria in 2017 and Katrina in 2005, which left indelible marks on Puerto Rico and New Orleans.
Fatalities Already Reported
Seven deaths have already been attributed to the deteriorating weather conditions, with three in Jamaica, three in Haiti, and one in the Dominican Republic.
Government’s Concerns and Warnings
Jamaica’s Prime Minister, Andrew Holness, acknowledged the severity of the situation, stating, “I do not believe there is any infrastructure in this region that can withstand a Category 5 hurricane.”
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) reported Melissa approximately 80 kilometers southeast of Negril, a western city on the island, in its latest bulletin.
The NHC predicts that Melissa will likely cause potentially deadly flooding and numerous landslides due to storm surges and heavy rains.
Authorities expressed concern as many residents refused to comply with evacuation orders. Desmond McKenzie, the Minister of Local Government, reported on Monday night that nearly 880 shelters across the island remained vacant.
A Slow-Moving Threat
Melissa is expected to strike eastern Cuba on Tuesday night after hitting Jamaica. The National Emergency Council declared the “alarm phase” in six eastern provinces (Santiago de Cuba, Guantánamo, Holguín, Camagüey, Granma, and Las Tunas).
Authorities initiated the evacuation of approximately 650,000 people in these provinces. Residents stocked up on supplies and secured their roofs, while non-essential classes and work activities were suspended.
In Jamaica, the Red Cross distributed potable water and hygiene kits in anticipation of service disruptions. The organization expressed growing anxiety due to Melissa’s slow pace.
“One might expect it to pass in four hours, but Melissa does not seem to be moving that quickly,” said a Red Cross spokesperson, Esther Pinnock.
Up to a meter of rainfall is forecasted, along with sudden flooding and landslides in Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and Cuba.
Climate Change Intensifying Hurricanes
Meteorologist Kerry Emanuel explained that global warming is causing more storms to intensify rapidly, increasing the risk of extreme rainfall. He stated, “Water kills far more people than wind,” according to AFP.
Climate scientist Daniel Gilford emphasized, “Human-induced climate change is exacerbating all the most severe aspects of Hurricane Melissa.”
Key Questions and Answers
- What is Hurricane Melissa? Hurricane Melissa is a powerful Category 5 storm with maximum sustained winds of 290 kilometers per hour, approaching Jamaica.
- Why is Melissa a significant threat to Jamaica? The storm’s torrential rains and destructive winds could devastate Jamaica’s infrastructure, as warned by local authorities.
- How many fatalities have been reported due to Melissa? Seven deaths have already been attributed to the deteriorating weather conditions, with three in Jamaica, three in Haiti, and one in the Dominican Republic.
- What concerns do authorities have regarding evacuation orders? Many residents refuse to comply with evacuation orders, leaving numerous shelters vacant.
- How is climate change impacting hurricanes like Melissa? Human-induced climate change intensifies storms, causing them to develop rapidly and increasing the risk of extreme rainfall.
