Severe flooding engulfed the southwestern region of Jamaica, causing significant damage with powerful winds and landslides as Hurricane Melissa made landfall as a destructive Category 5 storm, ranking among the most intense hurricanes in the Atlantic’s history.
The impact of Melissa, packing winds of 295 km/h, was felt near New Hope where reports of landslides, uprooted trees, and widespread power outages emerged, prompting authorities to warn of a prolonged recovery and assessment process due to the extensive destruction.
Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness acknowledged the immense challenge posed by a Category 5 hurricane on the country’s infrastructure, emphasizing the urgency in addressing the aftermath and rebuilding efforts.
In Black River, a community in western Jamaica, three families were stranded in their homes as floodwaters surged, hindering rescue operations amid perilous conditions, as described by Desmond McKenzie, deputy chairman of Jamaica’s Disaster Risk Management Council.
McKenzie recounted the chaos of roofs being ripped off buildings and expressed hope for a window of opportunity to assist those in distress as the situation unfolded.
An eyewitness in Black River shared their harrowing experience, highlighting the intense shaking and damage inflicted by the hurricane, underscoring the fear and uncertainty prevailing among residents.
Reports indicated extensive devastation in St. Elizabeth parish, characterized by severe flooding, prompting concerns over the safety and well-being of the affected population.
While no fatalities had been confirmed, officials refrained from speculating on the extent of the destruction, given the ongoing assault of Hurricane Melissa, the most forceful storm to hit Jamaica since recording began over a century ago.
The view out the window of a home in northwestern Jamaica shows the intensity of Melissa as the storm made landfall as a Category 5.
Rohan Brown from Jamaica’s Meteorological Service cautioned about the impending storm surge as Melissa moves away from the coast, posing further threats to northern Jamaica throughout the night.
The hurricane’s trajectory was set to target Cuba next, with projections indicating a significant impact as a major hurricane upon its anticipated landfall early Wednesday.
Approximately 15,000 individuals sought refuge in shelters in Jamaica, while a staggering 77% of customers, totaling around 540,000, were left without electricity, illustrating the widespread disruption caused by the storm.
Colin Bogle, an aid adviser with Mercy Corps, recounted the challenges faced by families in Kingston who opted to remain in their homes despite evacuation orders, highlighting the prevailing anxiety and uncertainty amidst the chaos.
Bogle described the intense experience during the storm, emphasizing the need for resilience and solidarity within the community until the peril had passed.