Ferocious winds and heavy rain battered Jamaica yesterday as Hurricane Melissa landed, marking the most severe storm to hit the island and one of the strongest hurricanes on record. The extremely intense Category 5 hurricane slowly moved across the Caribbean, posing a grave risk of floods and life-threatening circumstances with sustained winds topping 295 kilometers per hour.
The US National Hurricane Center issued a warning, emphasizing the perilous nature of the situation and advising residents to seek shelter away from windows, even during the temporary calm of the storm’s eye. Melissa’s sustained wind speed surpassed that of many significant storms in recent history, notably exceeding the power of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, which devastated New Orleans.
Anne-Claire Fontan from the World Meteorological Organization described the storm as the most severe in Jamaica’s recorded history. The impact of the hurricane has already resulted in seven fatalities – three in Jamaica, three in Haiti, and one in the Dominican Republic. Authorities expressed concerns over individuals disregarding safety directives.
Desmond McKenzie, a local government minister, urged Jamaicans not to take unnecessary risks during the crisis. The hurricane, while slightly picking up speed, moved slowly, potentially lingering over the island known for its tourism. A Red Cross spokesperson noted that Melissa’s pace indicated a prolonged presence over Jamaica, unlike typical storms that pass relatively quickly.
Hurricane Melissa was projected to hit the eastern part of Cuba by late Tuesday.