Hurricane Melissa latest updates: Red Cross says 1.5m people in Jamaica could be impacted by ‘storm of the century’

The Guardian
The Guardian
2M ago
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Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm, is expected to impact 1.5 million people in Jamaica, causing catastrophic flooding and infrastructure damage. This storm is significant due to its unprecedented strength and the potential for widespread devastation.
Hurricane Melissa latest updates: Red Cross says 1.5m people in Jamaica could be impacted by ‘storm of the century’
A What happened
Hurricane Melissa is currently a Category 5 storm, the strongest recorded for Jamaica since 1851, with winds reaching 175 mph. The World Meteorological Organization has labeled it the 'storm of the century,' predicting catastrophic impacts for approximately 1.5 million people in Jamaica. Mandatory evacuations have been ordered in low-lying areas due to the threat of severe flooding and landslides. The storm has already caused three deaths in Jamaica and additional fatalities in Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Experts attribute the hurricane's intensity to climate change, with warmer ocean temperatures significantly increasing its strength and potential damage. As Melissa approaches, authorities are preparing for extensive recovery efforts.
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Key insights

  • 1

    Climate Change Impact: Human-induced climate change has intensified Hurricane Melissa's strength and potential damage.

  • 2

    Evacuations Ordered: Mandatory evacuations have been implemented in vulnerable areas of Jamaica.

  • 3

    Widespread Power Outages: Over 52,000 customers in Jamaica have experienced power outages due to the storm.

Takeaways

Hurricane Melissa poses a significant threat to Jamaica, highlighting the increasing severity of storms due to climate change. The situation requires urgent attention and preparedness to mitigate the impact on affected communities.

Topics

Health & Medicine Public Health Culture & Society Society Climate & Environment Climate Change