Melissa’s impact was immediately apparent in the capital, Kingston, where live camera feeds showed churning waters and limited visibility across the harbor. Farther north, Montego Bay braced for the hurricane’s passage with reports of heavy swells approaching the city’s popular waterfront. Although complete damage assessments were not yet available, early footage indicated widespread power outages and structural strain on coastal facilities.
The hurricane did not linger over Jamaica after landfall. Meteorologists tracking the system reported that its forward motion continued on a west-northwest trajectory, placing Cuba and The Bahamas next in its projected path. Authorities in both countries began issuing alerts as Melissa’s outer bands approached, warning communities to finalize storm preparations while conditions remained safe.
Transportation networks across the region experienced immediate disruption. Ports temporarily suspended operations, and many flights were redirected or canceled to avoid the storm’s core. Maritime operators received advisories to remain in harbor until further notice, while fishermen along the northern Caribbean were told to secure vessels and equipment well ahead of the hurricane’s arrival.
Within Jamaica, telecommunications providers acknowledged intermittent service interruptions as wind and rain intensified. Backup generators at hospitals and emergency operations centers were activated to maintain critical functions, and local broadcasters shifted to continuous coverage, relaying updates from national agencies and on-the-ground reporters.
Officials emphasized that the danger extended beyond the initial point of landfall. Flash flooding, storm surge and landslides remained significant threats as rainbands swept over interior mountain ranges and low-lying coastal areas. The public was urged to remain indoors until authorities declared conditions safe.
The scale of Hurricane Melissa placed renewed attention on disaster readiness in the Caribbean. Jamaica’s emergency planners cited previous drills and lessons learned from past storms as key factors in mobilizing resources quickly. Nonetheless, the unprecedented strength of a Category 5 landfall raised concerns about long-term recovery challenges, particularly for rural communities with limited access routes.
Neighboring countries monitored the hurricane’s approach closely. In Cuba, civil defense teams began reinforcing public shelters and relocating livestock from vulnerable plains. The Bahamas issued formal advisories for its southern islands, instructing residents to secure property and gather emergency supplies ahead of deteriorating weather.
Regional cooperation also intensified. Caribbean disaster management agencies shared real-time data and coordinated potential requests for post-storm assistance. International relief organizations indicated readiness to deploy assessment teams once conditions permit access, though no formal appeals had been issued at the time of the latest updates.
As night fell, Jamaican authorities reiterated that search-and-rescue operations would commence at first light, provided wind speeds and road conditions allow. Preliminary plans called for aerial surveys to identify isolated communities and prioritize the delivery of food, water and medical aid.
Hurricane Melissa’s trajectory remained subject to change, but forecasters agreed that its core would move away from Jamaica within hours, steering through the Caribbean toward larger landmasses. Residents across the projected path were advised to follow official guidance, monitor trustworthy news outlets and limit travel until the storm passes.
At the conclusion of the day’s briefing, emergency managers stressed that the situation was still unfolding. Accurate assessments of damage, casualties and restoration timelines would become clearer only after weather conditions stabilize and teams gain full access to affected areas. Until then, officials urged continued vigilance and strict adherence to safety directives.
Crédito da imagem: ABC News Live
