At least three people have died in Jamaica as Hurricane Melissa, now a Category 5 storm, barrels toward the island — potentially the strongest in the country’s history. (AP News)
Jamaican authorities confirmed three deaths on the island as Hurricane Melissa gained strength and inched closer to a possible landfall early Tuesday. The fatalities came during preparation for the storm that is moving with sustained winds of about 175 mph (280 km/h), making it the most powerful storm to threaten the country in recorded history. (AP News)
The victims were reported in parishes along the island’s south-western coast, where power outages, falling trees and rising flood waters were already being recorded. Officials stressed that the death toll is preliminary and is expected to rise as the storm’s main impact arrives. (New York Post)
Prime Minister Andrew Holness warned that “there is no infrastructure in the region that can withstand a Category 5” landfall, placing the focus now on evacuation, shelter readiness and the safety of low-lying and coastal communities. (AP News)
Why This Matters
Historic threat: If Melissa makes landfall at full strength, it could exceed previous major hurricanes in Jamaica — raising risks of mass destruction and long-term displacement.
Multiple hazards: Beyond high winds, the storm is expected to bring a life-threatening surge of up to 13 feet (4 m) and heavy rainfall — 30-40 inches (76-100 cm) in some areas — amplifying danger from flooding and landslides. (The Independent)
Regional risk: While Jamaica braces, the hurricane’s path includes Cuba, Haiti and the Bahamas — each now preparing for secondary impacts. (AP News)
Government & Public Response
Mandatory evacuation orders have been issued for some coastal and flood-prone zones. Shelters are active, hospitals are relocating patients from ground floors and airports have suspended services. Residents in higher-risk areas were urged to secure homes and move to safe locations. (The Independent)
