Hurricane Melissa” threatens Jamaica: The worst storm surges ever!

Hurricane Melissa” threatens Jamaica: The worst storm surges ever!

Jamaica is facing a serious threat as Hurricane Melissa has reached peak intensity and is considered the most devastating storm to ever directly hit the Caribbean island. Loud North Sea newspaper The hurricane is expected to be hurricane force 5 on Tuesday morning (local time). The Italian meteorologist announced wind speeds of up to 280 km/h, which could cause enormous destruction.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness is worried and speaks of “devastating disasters” that could affect the population. The Red Cross even warns of “potentially unprecedented consequences” for Jamaica, where around 2.8 million people live. As reports continue, the storm is currently positioned 245 kilometers southwest of Kingston, but is moving toward the coast at an alarmingly slow speed of only about 4 km/h.

Evacuations and preparations

In view of the impending danger, evacuation measures have already been ordered and many localities have been asked not to leave their homes. More than 50,000 homes had already experienced power outages before the storm, and over 900 emergency shelters were set up. Kingston Airport remains closed until further notice as authorities prepare for possible power outages and other emergencies. Time online reports that the predicted storm surges on the south coast of the island could be up to four meters high.

Weather forecasts indicate that “Melissa” will cross Jamaica from the south coast to the north coast. Tragedies have already been reported in recent days: two people have died while felling trees, and at least four deaths have occurred in Haiti and the Dominican Republic in connection with heavy rains. The weakening of the climate system due to global warming favors such severe tropical cyclones, which pose a significant threat to coastal regions.

Impact on the surrounding regions

After crossing Jamaica, “Melissa” is expected to move over southeastern Cuba on Tuesday and reach the Bahamas on Wednesday. Cuban authorities are also preparing evacuations in security-threatened areas, with President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez emphasizing the protection of the population. The storm is now lagging behind forecasts, but meteorologists warn: “Melissa” could be the strongest hurricane for Jamaica since 1851, said the North Sea newspaper.

The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1st to November 30th annually, and current developments show once again how dangerous and unpredictable nature can be. The next few days will be crucial and the people of Jamaica, as well as those of neighboring countries, must prepare for the challenges ahead.