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The Prime Minister of Jamaica, Andrew Holness, warned this Saturday that Hurricane Melissa will directly impact the country and urged the population to prepare for the risks of heavy rainfall, strong winds, and lasting effects of the phenomenon.
“Melissa continues to move slowly through the Caribbean, and projections confirm that Jamaica will be impacted,” Holness stated on his official X account, where he urged citizens to stay informed and follow the guidance of the authorities.
The head of government warned about three main threats: intense rains, strong winds associated with the strengthening of the hurricane, and the possibility of prolonged impact due to its slow movement.
"All Jamaicans must take the necessary precautions and follow official notices," he insisted.
In another message on the social network itself, the Prime Minister urged parents to talk to their children about the dangers of going out during the cyclone.
"Too often, children see rain as something fun, without understanding the risks it brings," he wrote.
He also urged communities to look out for their neighbors, especially the elderly or vulnerable.
Holness assured that both the national government and local authorities are fully mobilized to respond to the emergency.
"The Ministry of Labor and Social Security has already begun to locate essential supplies to assist those in need," stated in a third tweet, specifying that the distribution will prioritize urgent cases with the support of parliamentarians, councilors, the police, and community organizations.
He also expressed gratitude for the collaboration of philanthropic and religious organizations that are already active. “We will ensure that the assistance reaches those who need it most,” affirmed the head of Government.
This Saturday, the meteorologist José Rubiera outlined a based on forecasts predicting accumulated rainfall of 500 to 750 millimeters over three days (Saturday, Sunday, and Monday) in mountainous areas, along with flooding, landslides, and very strong surges along the southern coast.
Hurricane-force winds of great intensity are also expected over an unusually long period due to the slow movement of the cyclone near the island. Rubiera described what could happen there as a catastrophic event.
The hurricane Melissa has reached maximum sustained winds of 150 kilometers per hour, according to the latest report from the National Hurricane Center (NHC) of the United States.
At least three people died and five were injured in Haiti due to the effects of Tropical Storm Melissa, according to a report by the agency EFE. Authorities cautioned that the count is provisional and that the number of victims could rise as assessments on the ground continue.
In several provinces of the Dominican Republic, the storm has left a trail of flooding, landslides, and property damage.
Authorities have issued alerts in 12 provinces and recommend avoiding the crossing of rivers and streams due to the risk of sudden floods. Severe flooding and landslides have been reported in communities in the Greater Santo Domingo area and coastal regions of the south.
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