The Red Cross believes that the hurricane may have direct consequences for 1.5 million Jamaicans, for example through flooded streets. The country has almost 2.8 million inhabitants. The organization warns of a “huge impact” by Melissa, which has already led to seven deaths in the region. The American Hurricane Center (NHC) predicts life-threatening conditions.
Melissa, a hurricane of the strongest category, will make landfall in Jamaica on Tuesday with wind gusts of more than 300 kilometers per hour. It is not clear exactly when Melissa will land in Jamaica. The hurricane is likely to cause flash flooding and landslides. Authorities have issued evacuation orders and urged people to stay indoors.
The NHC reported that the eye of the hurricane was located about 185 kilometers southwest of the capital Kingston at 10 a.m. Dutch time. Melissa moves at a speed of 7 kilometers per hour. The speed is expected to increase during the day, the NHC said.
The U.S. Hurricane Center expects Melissa to pass over Jamaica on Tuesday, southeastern Cuba on Wednesday morning and the southeastern or central Bahamas later on Wednesday.