Hurricane Melissa has intensified to hurricane strength as it nears Jamaica, raising alarms among regional authorities. The storm, which has already caused at least three fatalities in Haiti and one in the Dominican Republic, is expected to bring devastating rainfall and flooding to the Caribbean. Weather experts are closely monitoring its path, with forecasts indicating that the storm could make landfall in Jamaica within the next 48 hours.
Emergency management agencies in the affected countries have issued evacuation orders for vulnerable coastal communities. The National Hurricane Centre has issued a warning that Melissa could become a Category 4 hurricane, significantly increasing the risk of catastrophic damage. In addition to the immediate threat of flooding, the storm is also likely to disrupt critical infrastructure, including power lines, roads, and communication networks.
Historically, hurricanes of this magnitude have caused widespread destruction and loss of life in the Caribbean. Officials are urging residents to follow evacuation orders and to avoid travel to areas under threat. International aid organizations are also preparing to respond to the crisis, with emergency supplies and medical teams standing by in case of a large-scale disaster.