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Storm surges

Hurricane Melissa Brings Catastrophic Situation to the Caribbean

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Hurricane Melissa, the most powerful storm to hit the Caribbean this year, made landfall in Jamaica on Tuesday (28 October) with devastating consequences. The Category 5 storm brought with it violent winds of up to 185mph and "life-threatening storm surges" that could peak 13ft above ground level, causing widespread destruction and power outages. The World Meteorological Organisation has warned of a "catastrophic situation" following landfall, with the Red Cross preparing for up to 1.5million people in Jamaica to be impacted.

Key Takeaways:

  • Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Jamaica on Tuesday (28 October) with violent winds of up to 185mph and "life-threatening storm surges".
  • The storm is expected to bring up to 40 inches of rain and peak storm surges of 13ft above ground level.
  • Mandatory evacuations were ordered in at least seven flood-prone communities on the island, with over 800 shelters set up across the country.
  • At least seven people have died in the Caribbean so far, including three in Jamaica, three in Haiti, and one in the Dominican Republic.
  • More than 240,000 electric customers are without power, which equates to a third of the island, with energy minister Daryl Vaz confirming the outage.
  • The World Meteorological Organisation has warned of a "catastrophic situation" following landfall, with the Red Cross preparing for up to 1.5million people in Jamaica to be impacted.
  • Desmond McKenzie, deputy chairman of Jamaica's Disaster Risk Management Council, has urged Jamaicans to take the storm seriously, saying "Do not gamble with Melissa. It's not a safe bet."

Statistics:

  • Up to 40 inches of rain is expected to fall as a result of Hurricane Melissa.
  • Peak storm surges of up to 13ft above ground level are possible, posing a significant risk to life and property.
  • At least 7 people have died in the Caribbean so far due to the storm.
  • Over 240,000 electric customers are without power in Jamaica, which is a third of the island.
  • 800 shelters have been set up across Jamaica to accommodate those displaced by the storm.
  • 1.5million people in Jamaica are expected to be impacted by the storm, according to the Red Cross.

Sources:

  • Reuters
  • World Meteorological Organisation
  • Red Cross
  • Disaster Risk Management Council (Jamaica)
  • Jamaican Government (via energy minister Daryl Vaz)

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