Tropical Storm Melissa Brings Catastrophic Flooding and Landslides to the Caribbean

Strategic Insights -

A powerful tropical storm is expected to reach hurricane strength in Haiti and Jamaica in the next few days, bringing catastrophic flooding and landslides to the region. Tropical Storm Melissa has already left at least three dead in Haiti and one in the Dominican Republic, with nearly 200 homes destroyed and over half a million people's water supply disrupted. Forecasters warn of "catastrophic" flooding, landslides, and massive rainfall, with the possibility of up to 89 centimeters of rain in Haiti's Tiburon Peninsula. The storm is expected to strengthen into a hurricane, with total rainfall of 15 to 25 inches predicted in southern Hispaniola and Jamaica through Tuesday.

Key Takeaways:

  • Tropical Storm Melissa is expected to reach hurricane strength in Haiti and Jamaica in the next few days, bringing catastrophic flooding and landslides to the region.
  • The storm has already left at least three dead in Haiti and one in the Dominican Republic, with nearly 200 homes destroyed and over half a million people's water supply disrupted.
  • The US National Hurricane Center (NHC) has warned of "catastrophic flash flooding and landslides" across parts of Jamaica and southern Hispaniola.
  • Up to 89 centimeters of rain is possible across Haiti's Tiburon Peninsula, with total rainfall of 15 to 25 inches predicted in southern Hispaniola and Jamaica through Tuesday.
  • Southeast Cuba is also expected to be hit, with between 10 and 20 centimeters of rain predicted.
  • Tropical Storm Melissa is the 13th named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to November 30.
  • The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has predicted an above-normal season, with 13 to 18 named storms.
  • Scientists attribute the increase in extreme weather events to anthropogenic fossil-fuel use, resulting in a warmer atmosphere.

Statistics:

  • At least three people have been killed in Haiti, with a fourth person killed in the Dominican Republic.
  • Nearly 200 homes have been destroyed in the Dominican Republic.
  • Over half a million people's water supply has been disrupted in the Dominican Republic.
  • Up to 89 centimeters of rain is possible in Haiti's Tiburon Peninsula.
  • Total rainfall of 15 to 25 inches is predicted in southern Hispaniola and Jamaica through Tuesday.
  • Southeast Cuba is expected to receive between 10 and 20 centimeters of rain.

Sources:

  • "Tropical Storm Melissa raged over the Caribbean on Friday..." (Associated Press, undated)
  • "The US National Hurricane Center (NHC) said... 'Melissa is expected to bring total rainfall of 15 to 25 inches (38 to 64 centimeters) to portions of southern Hispaniola and Jamaica through Tuesday.'" (US National Hurricane Center, undated)
  • "The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has predicted an above-normal season, with 13 to 18 named storms." (US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, undated)