Hurricane Melissa is heading for Jamaica, according to meteorologists, the strongest in a century

Kingston, October 28 - Hurricane Melissa will be the worst to hit Jamaica in a century, according to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). When it makes landfall today, it is expected to pack winds of up to 300 kilometers per hour and threaten flash floods and landslides. According to the Red Cross, the storm will affect an estimated 1.5 million people in Jamaica.

"A catastrophic situation is expected in Jamaica," WMO meteorologist Anne-Claire Fontan said at a press conference in Geneva. "It will definitely be the strongest storm to hit Jamaica in a century," she added.

According to the Red Cross, the hurricane will affect at least 1.5 million people. "However, this figure is a significant underestimate, as the impacts on the population will include disruption of essential services, disruption of markets and of course road closures. This means that the entire population could be affected in some way," Necephor Mghendi, head of the International Federation of the Red Cross delegation, told a press conference.

Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm, is moving through the northern Caribbean towards Jamaica, and has already claimed three lives on the island. With three deaths in Haiti and one in the Dominican Republic, Melissa has already claimed seven lives. According to forecasts, catastrophic and life-threatening flooding and numerous landslides are expected in Jamaica today, and people should seek safe shelter and stay indoors.

WT.24

Photo George Desipris