In Jamaica, over 200 British citizens are currently confined to a hotel as Hurricane Melissa, a dangerous Category 5 storm, approaches the Caribbean island with powerful winds exceeding 157mph.
The storm, which has devastated neighboring areas, is anticipated to bring heavy rains and destructive winds to Jamaica, posing a severe threat to the region.
Andrew Tracey, a British tourist stranded in Jamaica due to canceled flights amid the impending hurricane, expressed his concerns about the situation. He highlighted the apprehension among guests at the hotel, including locals, as they prepare for the impact of the unprecedented storm.
Forecasters predict that Melissa could be one of the most potent hurricanes to hit Jamaica in recent history, as it inches closer to the island with devastating force.
Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness has declared a state of emergency across the entire island, activating disaster management protocols to ensure public safety. Shelters are open, emergency response teams are on standby, and significant funds have been allocated for disaster preparedness and relief efforts.
The UK Foreign Office issued warnings about the impending hurricane, emphasizing the potential for extreme weather conditions, including heavy rainfall, storm surges, and high-speed winds, which could result in flash floods and landslides across Jamaica.
Hurricane Melissa, bearing the name designated by US and international meteorological agencies, follows a specific naming convention for tropical storms and hurricanes, with names retired only in cases of extreme devastation.
