Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm with winds reaching 175mph, made landfall on Jamaica's southern coast Tuesday morning, marking what could be the strongest hurricane to hit the island since records began 174 years ago. The devastating storm has already claimed at least seven lives across the Caribbean, with three deaths confirmed in Jamaica, three in Haiti, and one in the Dominican Republic.
Approximately 8,000 British nationals remain stranded on the island as all international airports closed ahead of the storm's arrival. The Foreign Office has established an emergency crisis center and issued stark warnings about the hurricane's impact. "It is expected to bring exceptional levels of rainfall to the whole of Jamaica. There are estimates for up to 700mm of rain, storm surges around coastal areas bringing waves of up to 4 metres, and winds of up to 135mph. Catastrophic flash floods and landslides are likely," a Foreign Office spokesperson said.
Government Response
Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness has implemented compulsory evacuations in southern coastal areas and appealed for international support. Speaking about the unprecedented threat, Holness said: "I have been on my knees in prayer." He warned that "no infrastructure in the region that can withstand a Category 5" storm, adding that "the question now is the speed of recovery."
The UK government has HMS Trent on standby in the region for potential humanitarian assistance. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper confirmed she is "closely monitoring Hurricane Melissa as it approaches Jamaica" and assured that "the FCDO stands ready to help British nationals 24/7."
Immediate Impact
British tourists confined to hotels have been instructed to stack mattresses against windows and shelter in bathrooms until at least Wednesday. Tourist Andrew Tracey, speaking from Negril, described the emotional toll: "It's one of the hardest things speaking to family members and trying to remain strong, having no idea yourself what exactly is going to happen."
Weather experts describe Melissa as a "slow moving giant" that threatens Jamaica with total structural failure. The storm's eye may appear peaceful, but forecasters warn of catastrophic flash flooding, numerous landslides, and widespread infrastructure damage as the hurricane continues its destructive path across the island.
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
