Bahamas Extremely dangerous hurricane "Melissa" approaches Jamaica
Even before the arrival of the extremely dangerous hurricane "Melissa", strong winds can be felt in Jamaica. People were urgently called upon to get to safety.
28.10.2025, 15:26
28.10.2025, 16:22
SDA
The category 5 hurricane was approaching the south of the Caribbean island with sustained winds of 295 kilometers per hour, according to the US hurricane center NHC in Miami.
It could hit Jamaica as the strongest hurricane ever recorded over the Caribbean state since systematic records began in 1851. The UN emergency aid office OCHA spoke of a "storm of the century".
"This is the last chance to protect your life!", wrote the NHC on Platform X. It recommended that people move indoors without windows, cover themselves with a mattress or wear a helmet. "The best thing you can do is to put as many walls as possible between you and the outside world," it said.
Red Cross: "Potentially unprecedented consequences"
The situation is extremely dangerous and life-threatening. The consequences of the storm could be "potentially unprecedented" for the country with its 2.8 million inhabitants, the Red Cross said. Head of government Andrew Holness also expected severe damage. "There is no infrastructure in this region that can withstand a category 5 hurricane," he said at a press conference.
The hurricane center had previously warned of "catastrophic winds". These could be up to 30 percent stronger in higher mountain regions. Buildings in the area around the eye of the hurricane could be completely destroyed, it said. The center also expected "catastrophic flash floods", landslides and storm surges up to four meters high on the south coast of the country.
In addition to regular soldiers, the armed forces also called up reservists to help with rescue work, as the newspaper "The Gleaner" reported. "Our troops, including the reserves, will be on the ground to support relief efforts, protect communities and restore essential services as quickly as possible," said acting military chief O'Neil Bogle.
Evacuation of vulnerable communities is mandatory
Before reaching the island, "Melissa" had already caused power outages after falling trees damaged power lines. According to the Ministry of Energy, more than 50,000 connections were without electricity. Jamaican Prime Minister Holness ordered evacuations for several towns and called on the entire population to stay at home if possible and follow the instructions of the authorities. The airport in the capital Kingston was closed.
"Melissa" had developed into an extremely dangerous hurricane over the Caribbean in recent days. In Haiti and the Dominican Republic, at least four people lost their lives after heavy rainfall. In Jamaica, three people were killed while felling trees in preparation for the storm, according to the Ministry of Health. 13 others were injured, according to Health Minister Christopher Tufton.
Cuba and the Bahamas are also bracing themselves
According to forecasts, "Melissa" will cross Jamaica from the south coast to the north coast. As a "strong hurricane", "Melissa" will later pass over the south-east of Cuba, according to the NHC. A hurricane warning was also in place for the Bahamas. Even before the storm's arrival, "destructive winds, storm surges and catastrophic flooding" were expected, it said.
Tropical cyclones form over warm ocean waters. According to experts, increasing global warming increases the likelihood of strong storms. The hurricane season in the Atlantic begins in June and lasts until the end of November.
