The slow-moving storm ‘Melissa’ in the Caribbean Sea can now wreak havoc in many countries, due to which a high alert has been declared in the island including Jamaica. The US National Hurricane Center (NHC) has warned that its slow speed is making it more dangerous and it may soon turn into a severe storm.
Currently, Hurricane ‘Melissa’ has reached close to Jamaica, due to which all the airports there have been closed. According to the NHC, this storm will remain active till October 30 and may affect Jamaica, Cuba, Bahamas, United States and Dominican Republic.
Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness said in a press conference that “Hurricane Melissa is likely to cause severe flooding, landslides and storm surge in Jamaica and southern Hispaniola.” He has instructed officials to be on alert, as there is a possibility of catastrophic flooding.
According to reports, Hurricane Melissa will pass near or over Jamaica during October 26th and 27th. It will then move east and may make landfall in Cuba and the Bahamas on October 28th and 29th. In both these countries, winds of up to 100 kilometers per hour are possible and widespread flooding is possible.
Hurricane Melissa may also pose a threat to Bermuda. As it moves towards the Atlantic Ocean, its speed may reach 130 kilometers per hour and heavy rain is forecast. Torrential rains and flooding are expected in southern Haiti. Heavy rains and landslides are also possible in the Dominican Republic. In addition, there is a possibility of heavy rain in the US state of Florida due to this storm.
It is worth noting that the relevant government agencies in all the affected countries have appealed to people to evacuate to safer places and take necessary precautions.
