Melissa's Fury: A Caribbean Catastrophe in the Making

Hurricane Melissa has intensified to a Category 5 as it approaches Jamaica, posing a severe threat of catastrophic flooding, landslides, and significant damage to infrastructure. It is anticipated to be the deadliest hurricane to strike the island since record-keeping began in 1851.

The storm has already caused several fatalities throughout the northern Caribbean and is forecasted to make landfall on both Jamaica and Cuba, though it is not expected to impact the United States. Preparations are underway in Jamaica, with mandatory evacuations in flood-prone areas and warnings of potential humanitarian needs for international support.

Critical infrastructure, including Kingston’s main international airport and power plants, are under threat from a massive storm surge. As the storm continues its path, regions in the Dominican Republic and Haiti are already experiencing severe rainfalls, resulting in significant disruptions and agricultural damages.