Jamaicans are preparing for disaster as Hurricane Melissa, the strongest storm to hit the island this century, moves closer with violent winds, heavy rain and dangerous storm surges.
The Category 5 hurricane has sustained winds of 295 km/h (183 mph) and was about 55 kilometers southeast of Negril on Tuesday afternoon, according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC). The agency warned that total structural failure is possible in areas directly hit.
“This is not the time to be brave,” said Government Minister Desmond McKenzie, who is leading the disaster response. “Don’t bet against Melissa. It is a bet we can’t win.”
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By Tuesday morning, parts of Jamaica had already lost power as Hurricane Melissa battered the southern coast. The Jamaican Meteorological Service said the storm is expected to make landfall in St. Elizabeth Parish, one of the regions hit by Hurricane Beryl last year.
Prime Minister Andrew Holness ordered mandatory evacuations in coastal and low-lying areas, including Port Royal. He warned of heavy damage to homes, farms and infrastructure.
The NHC forecast rainfall of up to 70 centimeters (27 inches) and warned of flash floods and landslides. The International Federation of the Red Cross said about 1.5 million people could be affected, with more than 800 shelters opened across the island.