Melissa strengthens, threatening catastrophic impact on Jamaica

AFP/APP

Jamaica: A slow and destructive Hurricane Melissa intensified into a Category 4 storm on Sunday, leaving a trail of deaths and destruction across parts of the Caribbean as it moved dangerously toward Jamaica and Hispaniola.
The storm’s heavy rains have already caused deadly flooding and landslides in Haiti, where at least three people were killed this week. In the Dominican Republic, authorities reported the death of a 79-year-old man swept away by floodwaters, while a 13-year-old boy remained missing.
For many residents, the storm has brought scenes of sudden devastation. “You feel powerless, unable to do anything — just run away and leave everything behind,” said 66-year-old Angelita Francisco after escaping her flooded neighborhood in the Dominican Republic. She said rising waters filled her home, carried away her refrigerator and scattered debris throughout the area.
The US National Hurricane Center said Melissa strengthened into a Category 4 hurricane with winds reaching nearly 140 mph (225 km/h). Moving west at only 5 mph (8 km/h), the storm’s slow pace has raised concerns over prolonged rainfall, flooding and widespread damage.
Read More: https://darkgray-rook-457302.hostingersite.com/melissas-fury-batters-caribbean-jamaica-on-high-alert/Authorities across the Caribbean stepped up emergency measures Sunday as Hurricane Melissa continued strengthening, with forecasters warning of potentially catastrophic flooding and landslides in Jamaica and southern Hispaniola.
The US National Hurricane Center cautioned that Melissa could intensify further before reaching Jamaica late Monday night or early Tuesday, before moving toward southeastern Cuba. The storm was positioned about 120 miles (190 kilometers) southeast of Kingston and was advancing slowly, increasing concerns over prolonged heavy rainfall.
Forecasts showed Melissa could unleash 15 to 30 inches (38 to 76 centimeters) of rain across parts of Jamaica and southern Hispaniola, with some locations facing up to 40 inches. Officials warned that the extreme rainfall could trigger flash floods, overflowing rivers and dangerous landslides.
The Dominican Republic placed nine provinces under its highest alert level as emergency teams prepared for possible flooding. In Jamaica, Prime Minister Andrew Holness urged residents in vulnerable areas to stay prepared for evacuation, warning communities previously affected by floods to expect renewed risks.
The storm has already disrupted travel and maritime operations, with Kingston’s Norman Manley International Airport closing and authorities suspending all seaport activity.
Melissa marks the 13th named storm of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season. Jamaica is still recovering from the impact of Hurricane Beryl in July 2024, one of the strongest storms to hit the island during that period.