Hurricane Melissa made a catastrophic landfall in Jamaica on Tuesday as a Category 5 hurricane, the most powerful storm ever recorded to strike the island since record-keeping began in 1851.
The storm brought sustained winds of 260 kilometres per hour, torrential rains and destructive storm surges, leaving widespread devastation across the country.
The Red Cross estimates as many as 1.5 million people could be affected.
Hurricane Melissa came ashore near southwestern Jamaica, unleashing winds that ripped roofs from homes, uprooted trees and triggered landslides that blocked major roads.
Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness said the government had done “everything possible to prepare,” but warned that no infrastructure in the region could withstand the force of a Category 5 hurricane.
Some Jamaicans living in Canada shared their thoughts as they watched events unfold from afar.
“That’s what I’ve really been thinking about, not just my family, but people in general. People giving birth, people dying, people in hospitals, life situations like that. Especially now, given the current state of affairs in Jamaica. The conditions aren’t like in Canada.” Said Shaniya, a Jamaican living in Canada.
Meteorologists say Melissa’s extraordinary intensification — from a tropical storm to a Category 5 hurricane in less than 36 hours — is highly unusual.
“I do worry about some family members, yeah, but they have others there looking out for them,” said Nia, another Jamaican living in Canada. “So overall, I’m not too stressed.”
Relief efforts will focus on restoring access to clean water, emergency medical care and housing for thousands of displaced residents, according to aid agencies.
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