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US embassies across the Caribbean have warned citizens to “leave now” or shelter in place as Hurricane Melissa, now a Category 5 storm, approaches Jamaica. Many travellers remain stranded after airlines cancelled flights ahead of the storm.
All commercial flights at Jamaica’s two international airports were cancelled on Monday, and the airports remain closed until further notice. Live data from Flightradar24 showed flights avoiding Jamaican airspace as airlines rerouted traffic around the storm.
The Jamaican government has ordered mandatory evacuations in coastal areas. Hotels are providing updates and access to storm shelters. American Airlines issued a travel waiver through Oct. 29 and posted alerts for affected passengers.
Hurricane Melissa, packing sustained winds of 175 mph (280 kph), was centred about 150 miles southwest of Kingston late Monday. Forecasters said it would make landfall early Tuesday near St. Elizabeth parish, cut across the island, and exit near St. Ann parish.
The US National Hurricane Centre warned of catastrophic damage and a life-threatening storm surge up to 13 feet (4 meters) along the southern coast.
Health Minister Christopher Tufton said hospitals had moved some patients to higher floors to prepare for flooding. Landslides, fallen trees, and power outages were already reported Monday night.
Prime Minister Andrew Holness said the government had done all it could. “There is no infrastructure in the region that can withstand a Category 5,” he said. “The question now is the speed of recovery.”
The hurricane has already caused seven deaths across the Caribbean—three in Jamaica, three in Haiti, and one in the Dominican Republic—while another person remains missing.
Relief groups are mobilising. Water Mission is sending a disaster response team to Jamaica with an emergency safe water system. South Carolina’s Gilliard called on the US Congress to coordinate with federal agencies and aid groups for supplies and medical support.
Jamaica’s Water and Environment Minister Matthew Samuda said more than 50 generators are ready for deployment and urged residents to conserve clean water. “Every drop will count,” he said.
Despite evacuation orders, many families are sheltering in place. “Many have never experienced anything like this before,” said Colin Bogle of Mercy Corps. “There is profound fear of losing homes and livelihoods.”
Melissa is expected to strike eastern Cuba late Tuesday, where authorities are evacuating more than 600,000 people. Hurricane warnings are in effect for several Cuban provinces, with up to 20 inches of rain forecast.
The storm, the strongest to hit Jamaica since records began 174 years ago, is forecast to move northeast toward the Bahamas by Wednesday evening.
(With input from agencies)
All commercial flights at Jamaica’s two international airports were cancelled on Monday, and the airports remain closed until further notice. Live data from Flightradar24 showed flights avoiding Jamaican airspace as airlines rerouted traffic around the storm.
The Jamaican government has ordered mandatory evacuations in coastal areas. Hotels are providing updates and access to storm shelters. American Airlines issued a travel waiver through Oct. 29 and posted alerts for affected passengers.
Hurricane Melissa, packing sustained winds of 175 mph (280 kph), was centred about 150 miles southwest of Kingston late Monday. Forecasters said it would make landfall early Tuesday near St. Elizabeth parish, cut across the island, and exit near St. Ann parish.
The US National Hurricane Centre warned of catastrophic damage and a life-threatening storm surge up to 13 feet (4 meters) along the southern coast.
Health Minister Christopher Tufton said hospitals had moved some patients to higher floors to prepare for flooding. Landslides, fallen trees, and power outages were already reported Monday night.
Prime Minister Andrew Holness said the government had done all it could. “There is no infrastructure in the region that can withstand a Category 5,” he said. “The question now is the speed of recovery.”
The hurricane has already caused seven deaths across the Caribbean—three in Jamaica, three in Haiti, and one in the Dominican Republic—while another person remains missing.
Relief groups are mobilising. Water Mission is sending a disaster response team to Jamaica with an emergency safe water system. South Carolina’s Gilliard called on the US Congress to coordinate with federal agencies and aid groups for supplies and medical support.
Jamaica’s Water and Environment Minister Matthew Samuda said more than 50 generators are ready for deployment and urged residents to conserve clean water. “Every drop will count,” he said.
Despite evacuation orders, many families are sheltering in place. “Many have never experienced anything like this before,” said Colin Bogle of Mercy Corps. “There is profound fear of losing homes and livelihoods.”
Melissa is expected to strike eastern Cuba late Tuesday, where authorities are evacuating more than 600,000 people. Hurricane warnings are in effect for several Cuban provinces, with up to 20 inches of rain forecast.
The storm, the strongest to hit Jamaica since records began 174 years ago, is forecast to move northeast toward the Bahamas by Wednesday evening.
(With input from agencies)
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