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Storm damage

"Storm of the Century" Brings Catastrophic Destruction to Jamaica and the Caribbean

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Hurricane Melissa, intensifying to a Category 5 storm, has made landfall in southwestern Jamaica, unleashing devastating winds and torrential rains that have left a trail of destruction and death in its wake. The storm has killed at least seven people, with three fatalities in Jamaica, three in Haiti, and one in the Dominican Republic. Thousands of people have been warned to flee, with some 28,000 ordered to leave their homes and relocate to shelters, although only 6,000 have done so thus far.

Key Takeaways:

  • Hurricane Melissa has intensified to a Category 5 storm, with maximum sustained winds of 185mph, making it the second-strongest hurricane in the Atlantic, tied with four other storms.
  • The storm has made landfall in southwestern Jamaica, bringing catastrophic flash flooding and landslides, with storm surges of up to four meters expected.
  • At least seven people have been killed, with three in Jamaica, three in Haiti, and one in the Dominican Republic.
  • Thousands of people have been ordered to evacuate, with 28,000 told to leave their homes and relocate to shelters, although only 6,000 have done so far.
  • The International Federation of the Red Cross estimates that 1.5 million people will be affected by the storm.
  • The Jamaican government has set up a crisis centre for UK citizens, with the British Foreign Office urging British people in Jamaica to register their presence.
  • The storm is expected to head through Bermuda and the Bahamas, where evacuations have been ordered, and surrounding areas may also suffer a "life-threatening storm surge" and heavy rainfall.

Statistics:

  • At least 7 people have been killed in the storm, with 3 fatalities in Jamaica, 3 in Haiti, and 1 in the Dominican Republic.
  • Over 68,000 people have been affected by the storm (International Federation of the Red Cross estimate).
  • 28,000 people have been ordered to leave their homes and relocate to shelters, although only 6,000 have done so thus far.
  • The storm has already affected 39% of JPS customers, with those in the worst-hit areas experiencing power cuts of up to 75%.
  • The storm's sustained winds are expected to cause catastrophic flash flooding and landslides, with storm surges of up to 4 meters predicted.

Sources:

  • "Trillions of gallons of water" are expected to fall on Jamaica, said United Cajun Navy vice-president Brian Trascher.
  • "It's a catastrophic situation," World Meteorological Organisation tropical cyclone specialist Anne-Claire Fontan said.
  • "The destruction could be unlike anything people in Jamaica have seen before," AccuWeather's lead hurricane expert Alex DaSilva said.
  • The storm is expected to head through Bermuda and the Bahamas, where evacuations have been ordered, and surrounding areas may also suffer a "life-threatening storm surge" and heavy rainfall, according to the National Hurricane Centre.

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