"Category 5 Hurricane Melissa threatens Jamaica with catastrophic flooding, officials warn of dire survival risks"

Hurricane Melissa Threatens Jamaica with Devastating Flooding, Experts Warn

Officials in Jamaica are urging residents to take precautions as Hurricane Melissa approaches, emphasizing the severe risks of flooding and damage.

During a Sunday press conference in Kingston, authorities confirmed the closure of both international airports and the activation of 881 shelters.

“Many communities will not withstand the flooding,” said Desmond McKenzie, the local government minister. “Kingston is particularly vulnerable—no area is safe.”

Prime Minister Andrew Holness later issued mandatory evacuation orders for Port Royal in Kingston and six other high-risk zones, including Old Harbour Bay.

Meteorologists warn that the hurricane’s rapid intensification and slow movement could lead to unprecedented destruction.

Forecasters predict severe infrastructure damage, widespread power and communication disruptions, and the potential isolation of affected communities.

### Hurricane Melissa Reaches Category 5 Strength

Hurricane Melissa has strengthened into a Category 5 storm, posing extreme danger to Jamaica with the threat of deadly flash floods and landslides.

Category 5 hurricanes sustain winds of at least 157 mph.

The U.S. National Hurricane Center reported Monday that the hurricane is expected to hit Jamaica on Tuesday, delivering destructive winds and as much as 30 inches of rain.

After passing Jamaica, Melissa is forecast to reach Cuba by Tuesday night and move toward the southeastern Bahamas by Wednesday.

Cuban officials have issued hurricane alerts for Granma, Santiago de Cuba, Guantánamo, and Holguín provinces.

Residents in Jamaica have been advised to seek shelter immediately. “Conditions will deteriorate rapidly today,” warned a deputy director at the hurricane center. “Prepare for prolonged impact over several days.”

Along with Port Royal, evacuations were expanded to other vulnerable regions, including Old Harbour Bay.

The hurricane center predicts rainfall totals of up to 30 inches (76 cm) for Jamaica and southern Hispaniola—Haiti and the Dominican Republic—with localized amounts possibly reaching 40 inches (1 meter). Significant infrastructure damage and power failures are likely.