Hurricane Melissa, a formidable Category 5 storm, is unleashing unprecedented havoc as it makes landfall in Jamaica. With winds reaching speeds of up to 295 km/h, the hurricane poses a catastrophic threat to the island, causing authorities to issue urgent evacuation orders in flood-prone areas. The storm's slow movement is expected to exacerbate its impact, leading to extensive flooding, landslides, and power outages across the region.
Jamaican officials, acknowledging the limitations of existing infrastructure against such a powerful storm, are bracing for widespread destruction. The hurricane has already claimed lives in the Caribbean and left thousands without electricity due to fallen trees damaging power lines. As Melissa continues its path, the potential for up to 40 inches of rainfall and storm surges as high as 13 feet could further devastate communities, particularly along Jamaica's southern coast.
The looming disaster underscores the increasing intensity of hurricanes linked to climate change, with experts warning that warmer ocean temperatures are fueling storms like Melissa to become more severe and persistent. As the island grapples with the immediate impact, the focus will soon shift to recovery and rebuilding efforts in the wake of this historic storm.
