Jamaica is preparing for the impact of Hurricane Melissa, the strongest storm in the world this year, and possibly the strongest ever recorded on that island. So far, three people have been killed, and 13 have been injured during preparations for the arrival of the category five hurricane, confirmed Minister of Health Christopher Tufton.
“Tragedies occurred while people were cutting trees or doing work on roofs and ladders,” said Tufton, calling on residents to immediately stop all preparations and seek safe shelter.
He added that everyone should have enough drinking water and non-perishable food, as very little can be done once the hurricane hits. Meteorologists warn of catastrophic and life-threatening conditions, with winds reaching up to 282 kilometers per hour. Hurricane Melissa has been officially declared a category five hurricane, the highest possible, and is strengthening further as it approaches Jamaica.
“Flash floods, landslides, and the complete collapse of parts of the infrastructure, especially in mountainous areas, are expected,” stated the National Hurricane Center’s (NHC) announcement.
According to meteorologists’ estimates, the storm could cause the collapse of buildings, power outages, and interruptions of communications, which would lead to the isolation of numerous communities.
“Failure to comply with emergency measures could result in serious injuries or loss of life,” warns the NHC.
According to the authorities, more than 500.000 people have already been evacuated from coastal and mountainous areas most exposed to winds and floods. The government on Monday closed all schools and public transport. Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness made a dramatic appeal to citizens: “I pray on my knees. It seems the whole world is praying for Jamaica,” he said.
“There is no infrastructure in the region that can withstand a category 5 hurricane,” he said.
Holness called on residents to stay in shelters and not go outside until the storm passes and emphasized that the state will provide assistance as soon as conditions allow. Hurricane Melissa is slowly moving through the Caribbean Sea, south of Jamaica, and it was expected to hit the island yesterday afternoon.
Satellite images from the Cooperative Institute for Research in the Atmosphere at the University of Colorado and the United States (U.S.) NOAA shows a terrifying swirl of clouds spreading for hundreds of kilometers.
Experts point out that Melissa could become the most devastating hurricane that has ever hit Jamaica, given its strength, slow path, and prolonged impact of wind and rain.
