Jamaica Under Siege: Hurricane Melissa Sparks Evacuations and Humanitarian Fears

Jamaica now stands directly in Hurricane Melissa’s path as the island faces torrential rainfall, fierce winds, and life-threatening storm surges. As of Monday night, the hurricane’s eye was located about 155 miles southwest of Kingston and 335 miles southwest of Guantánamo, Cuba. The storm’s slow advance has worsened the threat, prolonging exposure and increasing the risk of flooding and landslides across the island.

Residents have scrambled to secure their homes and gather essential supplies. “I boarded up the windows at my home, where my husband and brother are staying,” said 23-year-old hotel receptionist Hanna Mcleod. “I stocked up on canned corned beef and mackerel and left candles and flashlights throughout the house.”

Prime Minister Andrew Holness, visibly emotional, shared his personal plea: “I have been on my knees in prayer,” he said, as authorities issued mandatory evacuation orders for high-risk areas. Public transportation has been mobilized to move residents to shelters, while emergency services prepare for what could be days of widespread disruption.

Forecasts warn that storm surges could rise as high as 13 feet, potentially inundating Jamaica’s Norman Manley International Airport, power facilities, and coastal neighborhoods. “This can become a true humanitarian crisis very quickly, and there is likely going to be the need for a lot of international support,” said Jonathan Porter, chief meteorologist at AccuWeather.

Emergency management teams are urging residents to stay indoors or move to higher ground. People have been told to prepare emergency kits with at least a week’s supply of food, water, medicine, and power sources. “Think about what the worst could be and prepare for that — and you’ll always be ready for what comes your way,” advised Shawn Schulze of the American Red Cross Texas Gulf Coast Region.

Beyond the immediate crisis, Hurricane Melissa stands as a dire warning about the escalating risks of climate change. “We can’t stop hurricanes, but we can reduce the risk by cutting emissions and improving coastal defenses,” said meteorologist Akshay Deoras. Experts emphasize that the combination of rising sea levels and warmer oceans is intensifying storm patterns worldwide.

With roughly a month left in the Atlantic hurricane season, forecasters anticipate up to five more major storms. Melissa’s devastation may mark one of the clearest signals yet that the era of stronger, faster-forming hurricanes has already arrived — and island nations remain on the front line of this new climate reality.