Hurricane Melissa ‘rapidly intensifies’ as holiday spot braces for 25in of rain | World | News
Hurricane Melissa has been upgraded to a Category 4 hurricane and a holiday destination beloved by British tourists will face catastrophic flooding.
The US National Hurricane Center warned that the storm would be upgraded to a Category 5 after hitting Haiti and the Dominican Republic. It is expected to reach Jamaica on Monday evening or Tuesday morning. Those living on the island were told to seek shelter; More than 650 food packs and supplies have been installed across the country. “I urge Jamaicans to take this weather threat seriously,” Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness said. “Take every precaution to protect yourself. That’s why I say to all my fellow citizens, to everyone who feels nervous, anxious, uncertain right now, now is the time to be prepared.” Hurricane Melissa is expected to bring up to 64 cm (25 inches) of rain to the island, while a similar warning has been issued for Haiti and the Dominican Republic.
Last night the storm was 125 miles southeast of Jamaica and 180 miles southwest of Haiti. Speeds are reaching 185 mph and moving east at 3 mph, according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center.
At least three people were killed in Haiti and one in the Dominican Republic. A woman from Les Cayes in Haiti told the AP news agency that the effects of the hurricane were catastrophic for residents.
“The sea took our house. We have no place to stay. We came to the high school, but we have nothing to give food to the children. We want help and support. We don’t want much.”
Another stated that they wanted to move from the storm center, but they did not have enough money, and said, “I want to move, but I have nowhere to go. I packed everything. I don’t have the means to go.”
In the Dominican Republic, approximately 200 homes were damaged and all water systems were disabled, disrupting the water supply on the island. It also destroyed trees and traffic lights, causing minor landslides and isolating communities with floodwaters.
Cuba also issued a hurricane watch for four provinces. In order to prevent epidemic outbreaks, cleaning and disinfection efforts were initiated in homes.
