Hurricane Melissa, which has reached Category Four, is raging in Jamaica with wind gusts exceeding 140 miles per hour (approximately 225 km/h). According to NBC News, this storm could become the strongest ever recorded on the island.
As of the latest reports, four fatalities have already been confirmed. Meteorologists express concerns about impending catastrophic flooding and landslides that could affect not only Jamaica but also Haiti and the Dominican Republic.
Forecasts indicate that the hurricane may hit Jamaica on Monday or Tuesday before moving towards Cuba. Within the next 48 hours, Melissa could reach Category Five, with wind speeds up to 157 miles per hour.
Emergency services have already been activated in Jamaica, and all airports have temporarily suspended operations. Authorities are urging residents to stay safe and not leave their homes during the storm.
In the Dominican Republic, over half a million people have been left without water supply due to fallen trees and damaged infrastructure.
Casualties have also been reported in Haiti and the Dominican Republic, and evacuations have been carried out. In Cuba, 145,000 people have been evacuated from the eastern coast, and measures have been developed for the evacuation of personnel from the Guantanamo Bay military base.
