The terrible storm ‘Melissa’ is ready to strike in the Caribbean region. This storm, considered the most dangerous in the last 174 years, will hit the coast of Jamaica on Tuesday (October 28). The storm will cross Jamaica from the south and move north.
Hurricane Melissa is currently about 150 miles away from Kingston and is moving with winds at a terrifying speed of 280 kilometers per hour. Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness has instructed the countrymen that, ‘No building will be able to withstand its force. Now all that remains is to wait for it to pass quickly.’
Reports of damage have started coming in Jamaica even before the arrival of the storm. Landslides, fallen trees and power outages have been reported in various parts of the country. Waves as high as 13 feet are expected in the southern region, which could endanger coastal hospitals. Patients have been moved to the upper floors of hospitals as a precaution.
It is worth noting that so far, seven people have been reported dead in the Caribbean region due to the storm. Three in Jamaica, three in Haiti and one person in the Dominican Republic are still missing.
Despite evacuation orders issued by the government, many people are choosing to stay indoors for fear of losing their homes and belongings. A federal minister has urged people to conserve clean water, as severe water shortages could arise after the storm.
After hitting Jamaica, Hurricane Melissa is set to hit eastern Cuba late Tuesday (October 28). More than 600,000 people are being evacuated to safer places in Cuba, where up to 20 inches of rain is forecast. The storm will then move towards the Bahamas. Heavy rains are also currently continuing in Haiti and the Dominican Republic.
