Jamaica is bracing for catastrophic impact as Hurricane Melissa, now classified as a devastating Category 5 storm, bears down on the island nation with unprecedented force. The monstrous hurricane has intensified dramatically, packing sustained winds of 160mph (260km/h) and threatening to unleash destruction across vulnerable communities.
Emergency Measures Activated
Prime Minister Andrew Holness has declared all of Jamaica a "disaster area" and implemented a strict island-wide curfew as the storm approaches. "We are facing a storm of historic proportions," Holness warned in an urgent address. "The next 12 to 18 hours will be critical for our nation's safety."
Critical Timeline and Projected Impact
Forecasters indicate the hurricane's eye is expected to make landfall within hours, bringing:
- Catastrophic wind damage capable of tearing off roofs and destroying buildings
- Storm surges reaching 6-9 feet above normal tide levels
- Torrential rainfall exceeding 12 inches in some areas
- Widespread power outages and communication disruptions
The US National Hurricane Center has issued extreme wind warnings for the entire island, emphasising that "these conditions are unsurvivable for those not in fortified shelter."
Nationwide Preparations Underway
Across Jamaica, residents are racing against time to secure their properties and reach designated shelters. Long queues have formed at supermarkets and petrol stations as people stockpile essential supplies. Emergency services have been placed on highest alert, with rescue teams prepositioned in strategic locations.
Tourist areas, including popular resorts in Montego Bay and Ocho Rios, have implemented comprehensive evacuation protocols. The Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston and Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay have suspended all operations until further notice.
Regional Storm Trajectory
While Jamaica faces the immediate threat, meteorological services are monitoring Hurricane Melissa's potential path toward the Cayman Islands and eastern Cuba. The storm's rapid intensification from Category 3 to Category 5 within 24 hours has caught many weather experts by surprise, highlighting the increasing volatility of hurricane systems in warming oceans.
International aid organisations are mobilising resources for what could become one of the most significant humanitarian responses in recent Caribbean history.
