Hurricane Melissa Brings Worst Storm Impact of the Century to Jamaica

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) warned that Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm, made landfall on Jamaica's southwestern coast, causing catastrophic damage and killing at least seven people across the northern Caribbean. The powerful hurricane brought life-threatening winds of nearly 300 km/h, devastating storm surge, and heavy rainfall, affecting millions of people in Jamaica and the Caribbean. The storm's impact is expected to be severe and immediate, with the International Red Cross warning of potential disruptions to essential services for days or weeks.

Key Takeaways:

• Hurricane Melissa is the strongest tropical cyclone of the year, with winds of nearly 300 km/h and heavy rainfall.
• The storm made landfall on Jamaica's southwestern coast, killing at least seven people and causing catastrophic damage.
• The WMO warned of a life-threatening storm surge, with millions of people in Jamaica and the Caribbean potentially impacted.
• The International Red Cross has mobilized in preparation for the storm, with 800 shelters prepared and prepositioned items distributed.
• Coastal communities had already been under strain from previous storms, with women, children, the elderly, and people with disabilities particularly vulnerable.
• The storm is expected to bring three times the normal amount of precipitation for a rainy month in Jamaica, potentially up to 700 millimeters.
• Residents in Jamaica, Cuba, and the Bahamas were advised to seek safe shelter immediately.

Statistics:

• Winds: Nearly 300 km/h
• Storm surge: Devastating
• Rainfall: Up to 700 millimeters, three times the normal amount for a rainy month
• Population affected: Millions of people in Jamaica and the Caribbean
• Deaths: At least seven
• Shelters prepared: 800
• People potentially impacted: 1.5 million

Sources:

• World Meteorological Organization (WMO)

*International Red Cross

*U.S. National Hurricane Center

*Xinhua News Agency