As Hurricane Melissa approaches Jamaica, residents are facing a wave of fear and uncertainty. The slow-moving storm has intensified to a Category five hurricane, with maximum sustained winds exceeding 165 mph. Weather forecasts from AccuWeather indicate that wind speeds could escalate to 180 mph, accompanied by storm surges reaching up to 15 feet. Landfall is anticipated early on March 12, 2024, making Melissa one of the strongest storms recorded this year.
The impact of Hurricane Melissa is expected to be profound, not only for Jamaica but also for surrounding nations such as Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and Cuba. The storm’s forecast includes destructive winds and torrential rainfall, which are likely to result in catastrophic flooding that could extend into the following week.
Evacuations Underway Amid Growing Concern
On the ground in Kingston, Milton Walker, director of news and sports at RJRGleaner Communications Group, provided updates on the situation. He reported that residents are experiencing “a fair amount of worry and anxiety” as they prepare for the storm. “They’re predicting catastrophic flash floods and landslides, and we already have some landslides,” he told The Mirror U.S. Walker noted that fallen trees have damaged power lines in areas like Central Elizabeth and Portland.
As of this morning, thousands of customers are without power, and all three international airports in Jamaica—Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston, Ian Fleming International Airport in Ocho Rios, and Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay—are closed.
Government officials are actively working to facilitate evacuations. In a press conference, Desmond McKenzie, Minister of Local Government and Community Development, revealed that only 972 people have taken refuge in the country’s 881 national hurricane shelters, with 76 currently in use. McKenzie highlighted that some parishes have no occupants in shelters, including Clarendon, which has the highest number of evacuees at 311, followed by St. Thomas with 227 and Kingston and St. Andrew with 179.
There are concerns regarding the pace of evacuations. Walker remarked that many residents are hesitant to leave their homes despite the deteriorating conditions. Officials aim to relocate approximately 50,000 people to safety, but the current numbers remain below expectations.
Preparedness Efforts and Community Reassurance
Preparations for Hurricane Melissa have been in place for several days, with efforts focused on clearing gullies and ensuring that over 800 shelters are ready for public use. Evacuation orders have been issued for several areas, including Port Royal in Kingston, Portland Cottage in Clarendon, and Rocky Point in Clarendon.
Walker has chosen to remain at his office compound in Kingston, which is reinforced with hurricane shutters and built from robust materials. He emphasized the importance of sturdy construction in Jamaica due to the regular threat of hurricanes and earthquakes. “In Jamaica, we know we have hurricanes, and our buildings have to be strong and robust,” he stated.
As the storm approaches, the Ministry of Health is providing support to residents, offering helplines for those needing counseling during this stressful time. Officials are urging families to monitor the safety of vulnerable community members, particularly children and the elderly.
With Hurricane Melissa poised to make a historic impact, Jamaicans are left with the stark reality of a storm that could rival the devastation of Hurricane Gilbert in 1988, which remains one of the most catastrophic events in the island’s history. Walker’s insights reflect a community bracing for the unknown, united in their efforts to prepare and protect one another in this critical moment.
