Hurricane Melissa Becomes Category 5 as Jamaica Faces Evacuation Orders

Hurricane Melissa has rapidly intensified into a Category 5 storm, a phenomenon linked to the warming of ocean waters attributed to climate change. With temperatures in the Atlantic Ocean 2-3°C above normal, the storm is gathering strength at an alarming rate.

Jamaica faces urgent threats, as authorities issue evacuation orders for coastal communities. The storm's slow movement exacerbates the situation, leading to prolonged rainfall and the risk of catastrophic flooding and landslides.

Meteorologists warn that this combination of rapid intensification and stagnation could have dire consequences for Jamaica and neighboring regions. As the world grapples with climate change, such powerful storms are becoming increasingly common, heightening the urgency for preparedness and response strategies.