Sign in Subscribe
Civilian evacuation

Hurricane Melissa: Catastrophic Storm Expected to Bring Devastation to Jamaica

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm, is forecast to bring catastrophic destruction to Jamaica, with wind gusts exceeding 300 kmph, storm surges up to four metres, and rainfall surpassing 70 cm, triggering severe flash floods and landslides across the country. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) warned that it could be the worst storm to hit the island this century, with potentially up to 1.5 million people affected. Prime Minister Andrew Holness has ordered mandatory evacuations in parts of southern Jamaica, urging residents to move to higher ground.

Key Takeaways:

  • The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has warned that Hurricane Melissa could be the worst storm to hit Jamaica this century, with catastrophic destruction expected.
  • The storm is forecast to bring wind gusts exceeding 300 kmph, storm surges up to four metres, and rainfall surpassing 70 cm, triggering severe flash floods and landslides across the country.
  • Up to 1.5 million people in Jamaica could be directly affected, according to the International Federation of the Red Cross (IFRC).
  • Prime Minister Andrew Holness has ordered mandatory evacuations in parts of southern Jamaica, including the historic town of Port Royal.
  • Over 800 shelters have been opened for evacuees, and authorities have urged residents to stay indoors, prepare emergency supplies, and follow evacuation orders.
  • Hundreds of thousands have evacuated across the Caribbean, with at least four deaths reported in Haiti and the Dominican Republic.

Statistics:

  • Category 5 storm expected to bring wind gusts exceeding 300 kmph.
  • Storm surges up to four metres expected.
  • Rainfall surpassing 70 cm expected, triggering severe flash floods and landslides.
  • Up to 1.5 million people potentially affected, according to the IFRC.

Sources:

  • World Meteorological Organization (WMO)
  • US National Hurricane Center (NHC)
  • International Federation of the Red Cross (IFRC)
  • Reuters
  • Times of India (source article)

Read more