Severe flooding hit southwestern Jamaica, causing widespread destruction as Hurricane Melissa made landfall as a catastrophic Category 5 storm with 295 km/h winds near New Hope. The storm triggered landslides, uprooted trees, and led to power outages, with officials warning that the cleanup and damage assessment process could be lengthy. Prime Minister Andrew Holness emphasized the immense challenge of recovery due to the lack of infrastructure capable of withstanding a Category 5 hurricane.
In Black River, three families were trapped in their homes by floodwaters, and rescue efforts were hindered by hazardous conditions, according to Desmond McKenzie, deputy chairman of Jamaica’s Disaster Risk Management Council. He described roofs being ripped off buildings and expressed hope for improved conditions to aid those in need.
Reports indicated significant damage in St. Elizabeth parish, with McKenzie stating that the area was submerged. While no deaths have been confirmed, officials cautioned that it was premature to assess the full extent of the damage as Hurricane Melissa continued to batter the region, marking the strongest storm to hit the island in recorded history.
Jamaica’s Meteorological Service highlighted the risk of a heavy storm surge affecting northern Jamaica as Melissa moved along the coast and headed towards Cuba, where it was projected to strike as a major hurricane. Thousands sought shelter in Jamaica, and a majority of the population was left without power.
Colin Bogle from Mercy Corps reported families in Kingston choosing to stay put despite evacuation orders, with many bracing for the storm’s impact. The hurricane had already caused fatalities across the Caribbean, including in Jamaica, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic.
As Melissa progressed, officials prepared for rescue missions post-storm, emphasizing the deployment of resources for relief efforts. The storm’s aftermath left many regions grappling with extensive damage, prompting concerns for the safety and well-being of affected communities.
Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel issued a televised address urging caution as the nation braced for Melissa’s impact, while Canada advised against travel to the storm-affected regions. Efforts were underway to support Canadians in the affected areas and monitor the storm’s trajectory, with preparations for potential impacts on eastern Canada being made by the Canadian Hurricane Centre.
