Hurricane Melissa Slams Jamaica as ‘Storm of the Century,’ Forcing Mass Evacuations

Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Jamaica on Tuesday, unleashing catastrophic winds, storm surges, and flash floods in what the U.N. has called the worst storm to hit the island this century. The Category 5 hurricane, packing wind gusts exceeding 300 km per hour, has triggered widespread evacuations across southern Jamaica, including the historic town of Port Royal. Authorities have warned of severe damage to homes, farmlands, and infrastructure, with Prime Minister Andrew Holness calling it “a storm no infrastructure in the region can withstand.”

According to the World Meteorological Organization, storm surges could reach up to four meters, while rainfall may exceed 70 cm, causing “catastrophic flash flooding and landslides.” The International Federation of the Red Cross estimates that up to 1.5 million people may be directly affected, with over 800 shelters opened across the island. Relief items, including tarpaulins, hygiene kits, and safe drinking water, have been pre-positioned to aid evacuees, as residents brace for prolonged isolation and devastation.

Forecasters say Melissa’s slow movement over unusually warm Caribbean waters intensified its power, making it one of the strongest hurricanes ever recorded in the region. The storm is expected to move over eastern Cuba, the Bahamas, and the Turks and Caicos by Wednesday. Experts have warned that climate change is fueling such rapid storm intensification, as warmer ocean waters provide the perfect energy source for hurricanes of unprecedented strength.

Pic Courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright