Hurricane “Melissa”, category 5, threatens to make landfall in Jamaica with winds of up to 280 km/h, after leaving three dead and thirteen injured before impact.
Mexico City, October 28 (However).- Three people died and at least 13 were injured in Jamaica As the country prepares for the direct impact of the Hurricane Melissaof category 5which is advancing with sustained winds of 280 kilometers per hour (km/h) and will make landfall this Tuesday.
He Minister of Health, Christopher Tuftonconfirmed that the deaths occurred due to falling trees during prevention efforts. A healthcare worker died in Saint Elizabeth while removing dangerous branches; another man lost his life Hanoverand a third victim was electrocuted while felling trees.
“We are already witnessing the tragedy of human lives lost even before the hurricane arrived,” lamented Tufton, who asked the population to take extreme precautions and avoid exposing themselves to unnecessary risks.
Prime Minister Andrew Holness reported that the Jamaican Army disaster response team is ready to carry out rescue and support tasks as soon as possible. “We are as prepared as we can be,” he said, although he acknowledged that the impact will be strong and the damage could be considerable.
Maximum alert in Jamaica
The International Federation of the Red Cross (IFRC) warned that at least 1.5 million people could be affected in Jamaica alone, representing more than a third of the population.
In this context, local authorities have enabled more than 800 shelters for preventive evacuations.
According to him United States National Hurricane Center (NHC)the eye of the hurricane is located about 215 kilometers southeast of Kingston and is expected to impact directly on the island today.
The agency warned that “Melissa” could cause catastrophic winds, flash floods and life-threatening storm surges throughout the day. Gusts of up to 350 kilometers per hour and rain of up to 750 millimeters are also expected, capable of causing large-scale flooding and landslides.
Hurricane #Melissa Advisory 28A: Eye of Extremely Dangerous Category 5 Melissa Approaching Western Jamaica. Catastrophic Winds, Flash Flooding, and Storm Surge Expected On The Island Today.
— National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) October 28, 2025
Norman Manley International Airport, in Kingston, is already registering gusts of wind and intense rain, while authorities reiterate their call to evacuate coastal areas and remain under shelter.
Effects in the region
After passing through Jamaica, the hurricane will move towards Cuba and the Bahamas, where heavy rain and hurricane-force winds are also expected. In Haiti, although a direct impact is not forecast, authorities have already evacuated hundreds of people due to the risk of flooding.
The Cuban President, Miguel Díaz-Canel, asked the population to “be alert, be supportive and not forget discipline in the face of the threat,” and assured that the country is focusing its efforts on preparing to face the “dangerous” hurricane.