Hurricane Melissa Brings Catastrophic Flooding and Landslides to Caribbean Islands

Strategic Insights -

Hurricane Melissa has been upgraded to a category 4 storm, bringing record amounts of rain and catastrophic flooding to several Caribbean islands, including Haiti, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, Cuba, and the Bahamas. The storm is expected to bring 8 feet or more of surge to coastal areas, with flash flooding and landslides a major concern. Authorities in these countries are evacuating low-lying areas, opening shelters, and making emergency preparations as the storm approaches.

Key Takeaways:

  • Hurricane Melissa has been upgraded to a category 4 storm, making it the strongest storm to make landfall in Jamaica's recorded history, according to the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency.
  • The storm is expected to bring up to 35 inches of rain, which is "unprecedented," according to meteorologists.
  • Authorities in Haiti, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, Cuba, and the Bahamas are evacuating low-lying areas, opening shelters, and making emergency preparations as the storm approaches.
  • In Cuba, 4,000 people had been evacuated earlier, while certain southern provinces were on red alert. Some bridges and homes had been damaged by rain days before the storm's official arrival.
  • In the Dominican Republic, 4,000 families received cash assistance from a program, while the organization positioned food in eastern Cuba to feed 275,000 people for up to 60 days.
  • Jamaica's disaster management committees have been activated and are ready, and residents appear to be taking the storm seriously, with some beginning to panic, according to Norman Scott, the mayor of Spanish Town.
  • The storm is expected to hit Jamaica on Tuesday, with hurricane conditions felt in the country starting on Monday.

Statistics:

  • Up to 35 inches of rain expected from the storm, which is "unprecedented" according to meteorologists.
  • 8 feet or more of surge expected in coastal areas.
  • At least 4 deaths reported in Haiti due to the storm.
  • 4,000 people evacuated in Cuba.
  • 4,000 families received cash assistance from a program in the Dominican Republic.
  • 275,000 people in eastern Cuba will be fed for up to 60 days.
  • 6 provinces in Cuba under a hurricane watch.

Sources:

  • The New York Times
  • Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency
  • Director of Jamaica's Meteorological Service, Evan Thompson
  • Norman Scott, Mayor of Spanish Town, Jamaica
  • New York Times (cited directly as "NYT")