Jamaica has begun a large-scale evacuation of its capital, Kingston, and several low-lying areas as Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm, approaches the island. Officials have described it as potentially the most catastrophic hurricane in the country’s history, with winds of up to 175mph expected to bring torrential rain, floods and severe damage. Prime Minister Andrew Holness said recovery could require “far more resources than Jamaica has to recover,” warning of likely devastation to key infrastructure, including roads, bridges and airports.
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At least three people have already lost their lives while preparing for the storm, and a further thirteen have been injured. The deaths occurred while residents attempted to remove trees ahead of the hurricane’s arrival. Jamaica’s government has ordered the evacuation of seven cities, with authorities urging people not to underestimate the storm’s power. The US National Hurricane Center has warned of “life-threatening” flash floods and storm surges, describing the situation as “catastrophic.”
Melissa has already caused destruction across the Caribbean, with at least seven deaths reported in Haiti and the Dominican Republic, where hundreds of homes have been damaged and thousands displaced. Experts have warned that the slow-moving nature of the storm could intensify its impact, subjecting communities to prolonged rainfall and flooding. Evan Thompson of Jamaica’s meteorological service said power and communication lines were expected to be cut for days after the storm passes.
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The Foreign Office has urged British nationals in Jamaica to move to hurricane shelters immediately, while Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper confirmed the UK had offered support to the Jamaican government. Officials expect the hurricane to make landfall on Tuesday before moving towards Cuba and the Bahamas. As the storm strengthens, Jamaica’s Disaster Risk Management Council has appealed to residents to take all warnings seriously, stressing: “Do not gamble with Melissa – it’s not a safe bet.”
