সোমবার, ৯ নভেম্বর ২০২৬
সোমবার, ৯ নভেম্বর ২০২৬
As Hurricane Melissa rapidly intensified to a Category 5 storm—the highest possible rating—early Monday, the Caribbean nations of Jamaica, Haiti, and Cuba are bracing for potentially catastrophic impacts. This powerful hurricane, with sustained winds reaching 160 mph, is expected to unleash unprecedented rainfall, devastating flooding, and dangerous landslides across the region over the coming days. […]
As Hurricane Melissa rapidly intensified to a Category 5 storm—the highest possible rating—early Monday, the Caribbean nations of Jamaica, Haiti, and Cuba are bracing for potentially catastrophic impacts. This powerful hurricane, with sustained winds reaching 160 mph, is expected to unleash unprecedented rainfall, devastating flooding, and dangerous landslides across the region over the coming days.
Melissa is forecast to make landfall in Jamaica late Monday into Tuesday, before moving onward through southeastern Cuba and the Bahamas by Wednesday, according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) based in Miami. At present, the storm’s center lies approximately 130 miles south-southwest of Kingston, Jamaica, advancing slowly westward at 3 mph.
Unprecedented Rainfall and Flooding Threaten Jamaica and Haiti
Jamaica faces the brunt of Melissa’s fury, with projections of up to 30 inches of rainfall in many areas, and some eastern parts possibly receiving as much as 40 inches. These excessive rains pose a severe risk of flash floods and numerous landslides, which could lead to widespread destruction of homes, infrastructure, and critical roadways, hampering rescue and recovery efforts.
Western Haiti is also under threat, expecting up to 16 inches of rain, which exacerbates an already precarious humanitarian situation. Haiti has suffered multiple casualties from the storm’s early impacts, with at least three fatalities reported. The torrential rains are likely to cause catastrophic flash flooding and landslides, further endangering vulnerable communities.
Life-Threatening Storm Surge and Wind Damage
In addition to the heavy rains, Melissa is predicted to bring a life-threatening storm surge to Jamaica’s southern coastline, with waves potentially reaching heights of 13 feet above ground level near the hurricane’s landfall site. This surge, combined with destructive winds, could severely damage coastal properties, cause significant erosion, and pose grave risks to residents and emergency responders.
The storm’s slow movement intensifies the danger, prolonging the exposure to destructive weather conditions. Meteorologists warn that the hurricane’s strength and duration could result in the worst natural disaster Jamaica has experienced in decades.
Government Warnings and Preparations
Officials in Jamaica are urging citizens to take immediate and serious precautions. Desmond McKenzie, Deputy Chairman of Jamaica’s Disaster Risk Management Council, emphasized the urgency: “Do not gamble with Melissa. It’s not a safe bet.” Daryl Vaz, Jamaica’s Transport Minister, echoed these sentiments, cautioning against reckless behavior during this critical period.
Preparations are underway across the affected regions. In Kingston, residents are filling sandbags, and crews are clearing flood diversion channels to mitigate damage. However, officials warn that recovery will be complicated by blocked roads and landslides, delaying damage assessment and relief operations.
Impact on Cuba and the Dominican Republic
Melissa is expected to strike eastern Cuba later Tuesday, with hurricane warnings issued for provinces including Granma, Santiago de Cuba, Guantánamo, and Holguin, while a tropical storm warning covers Las Tunas. Cuba could see up to 20 inches of rainfall and significant coastal storm surge, threatening communities already vulnerable to natural disasters.
The Dominican Republic, sharing the island of Hispaniola with Haiti, has also felt Melissa’s early impacts. Heavy rainfall has forced the closure of schools and government offices in several provinces and caused flooding that isolated dozens of communities. More than 750 homes have been damaged, displacing over 3,700 people.
Humanitarian Concerns for Haiti
Haiti faces a particularly dire humanitarian crisis as Melissa worsens conditions for millions already grappling with food insecurity. The storm has destroyed crops over 37 acres of maize farmland in three regions, compounding the challenges for over 5.7 million people experiencing hunger, including 1.9 million facing emergency-level food scarcity.
The flooding has obstructed access to farmland and markets, threatening harvests and the upcoming winter agricultural season, according to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization. This jeopardizes not only immediate food supplies but also the long-term livelihoods of farmers and communities dependent on agriculture.
The Road Ahead
As Hurricane Melissa barrels toward the Caribbean, its potential for destruction cannot be overstated. The combination of extreme winds, torrential rain, storm surge, and slow progression means that Jamaica, Haiti, Cuba, and the Dominican Republic face a prolonged and severe natural disaster event.
Residents are encouraged to heed official warnings, secure their homes, and prepare for emergency conditions. Governments and aid organizations will need to mobilize swiftly to provide rescue, relief, and recovery efforts once the storm passes.
This hurricane underscores the urgent need for improved disaster preparedness and resilient infrastructure in vulnerable regions, especially as climate change may increase the frequency and intensity of such catastrophic storms.
Source: U.S. National Hurricane Center, Jamaica Disaster Risk Management Council, CBS News, United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, Reuters, AFP
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