Hurricane Melissa Upgrades to Category 5; Evacuations Ordered in Jamaica

Hurricane Melissa has intensified into a Category 5 hurricane, posing a significant threat to the northern Caribbean. As of Monday, Jamaica’s government has initiated mandatory evacuations for vulnerable areas, particularly in the capital, Kingston. The storm’s rapid escalation on the Saffir-Simpson hurricane wind scale has prompted urgent action from officials.

The government has urged residents in low-lying and flood-prone regions to seek safety in designated shelters. During a press conference on Sunday, Desmond McKenzie, Jamaica’s Minister of Local Government, emphasized the severity of the situation. “Many of these communities will not survive the flooding,” he stated. “Kingston is extremely low. No community in Kingston is immune.” In response to the threat, both international airports in Jamaica are now closed, and a total of 881 shelters have been activated nationwide.

On Sunday night, Melissa was located approximately 205 km (125 miles) south-southwest of Kingston, with maximum sustained winds reaching 230 km/h (145 mph). Moving westward at a speed of 7 km/h, the storm is expected to bring devastating rainfall, with forecasts predicting up to 30 inches (76 cm) for Jamaica and southern Hispaniola, potentially rising to 40 inches in some areas.

Local Communities Face Evacuation Challenges

Despite official evacuation orders, some residents in the small fishing village of Port Royal have chosen to remain in their homes, believing they can weather the storm. Ann Marie Chamberlain, a local resident, expressed her confidence in their preparations. “We know danger and we know when we are in danger and right now we are not,” she said. She recounted a traumatic experience from 21 years ago when she sought shelter during a storm and faced theft and safety concerns. “The main reason we refuse to leave Port Royal is because of that experience,” she added.

Conversely, Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness has reiterated the importance of heeding evacuation orders. He mandated evacuations for Port Royal and several other vulnerable areas, including Old Harbour Bay. “I urge Jamaicans to take this weather threat seriously. Take all measures to protect yourself,” he stated.

As Hurricane Melissa continues its path, it is projected to affect Cuba by late Tuesday before moving towards the Bahamas on Wednesday. The Cuban government has already issued a hurricane watch for Granma, Santiago de Cuba, Guantánamo, and Holguín provinces.

Impact on Surrounding Regions and Communities

The storm’s erratic movement has already led to fatalities, with reports indicating at least three deaths in Haiti and one in the Dominican Republic. In Haiti, rising river levels have caused flooding and destroyed infrastructure, particularly in Sainte-Suzanne. The Dominican Republic has also faced significant challenges, with nearly 200 homes damaged and water supply systems disrupted, affecting over half a million residents.

According to the US National Hurricane Center, communities throughout Jamaica are expected to experience extensive damage to infrastructure, power outages, and communication disruptions. Jamie Rhome, the center’s deputy director, noted that the situation is increasingly dire for areas in the storm’s projected path. He warned that the slow movement of Melissa could prolong its impact over the next several days.

The Bahamas Department of Meteorology has indicated that the storm may bring tropical storm or hurricane conditions to islands in the southeast and central Bahamas, as well as the Turks and Caicos Islands early next week.

Melissa is the 13th named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to November 30. The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration had previously forecast an above-normal season, estimating between 13 to 18 named storms for 2023. As Hurricane Melissa continues to unfold, the full extent of its impact remains to be seen, but preparations and evacuations are crucial for the safety of affected communities.