KINGSTON (dpa-AFX) – Because of the extremely dangerous hurricane “Melissa”, around 6,000 people sought protection in 382 emergency shelters in Jamaica. Despite the authorities’ appeals, the number of people seeking protection in high-risk areas such as Saint Elizabeth in the south of the country was considered low. “Now is not the time to be bold,” said Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie. “Don’t bet against Melissa, that’s a bet we can’t win.” The government expected that over 50,000 people would have to temporarily leave their homes because of the damage caused by the cyclone.
“Melissa” made landfall in the southwest of Jamaica as a Category 5 hurricane with sustained wind speeds of 295 kilometers per hour. It is therefore one of the strongest hurricanes ever to occur in the Atlantic. The authorities expected serious damage. “There is no infrastructure in this region that can withstand a Category 5 hurricane,” said Prime Minister Andrew Holness./dde/DP/he