3 storm-related deaths in Jamaica as Hurricane Melissa nears

Jamaican officials confirmed Monday that three people died and at least 13 others were injured during preparations for Hurricane Melissa, which intensified into a powerful Category 5 storm as it drew closer to the island.

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Minister of Health and Wellness Dr. Christopher Tufton said the fatalities occurred in Hanover, St. Catherine and St. Elizabeth.

“Even though the storm has not yet hit, we have had three deaths related to the preparation for the storm,” Tufton said during a press conference on Monday evening. “These are due to persons preparing for the storm, unfortunately, cutting down of trees in particular. In one case, a tree fell on one of the individuals in St. Elizabeth, and it was a health worker. In Hanover, similar circumstances. In one of the cases, it was an electrocution. There have been about 13 other injuries related to persons falling off ladders, rooftops, and trying to prepare for the storm.”

Tufton added that the health system will provide assistance to the families of those who died.

Hurricane Melissa strengthened Monday, with forecasters warning it would unleash catastrophic flooding, landslides, and widespread damage on Jamaica. At Category 5, it would be the strongest hurricane to hit the island since record-keeping began in 1851.

“I have been on my knees in prayer,” Prime Minister Andrew Holness said, anticipating the hardship ahead.

The U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami said Melissa packed maximum sustained winds of 175 mph and was moving northwest at 3 mph Monday afternoon, centered about 140 miles southwest of Kingston. A storm surge of up to 13 feet was expected along the Kingston coastline, home to critical infrastructure including the island’s main international airport and major power facilities.

Parts of eastern Jamaica could receive up to 30 inches of rain, with officials warning of “catastrophic flash flooding and numerous landslides.” Mandatory evacuations were ordered in flood-prone areas and buses deployed to shelters across the island. Still, authorities noted that fewer than 1,000 people had sought refuge in more than 880 shelters.

“It’s way, way below what is required for a Category 5 hurricane,” said Transport Minister Daryl Vaz, urging residents to take the storm seriously. “If you are not smart, unfortunately, you will pay the consequences.”

The slow-moving storm has already killed at least three people in Haiti and one in the Dominican Republic, where another person remains missing. More than 50,000 homes in the region have lost power, with landslides and downed trees reported ahead of landfall.

Melissa is expected to continue through the southeastern and central Bahamas later this week. A tropical storm warning is in effect for the Turks and Caicos Islands.

A hurricane of Category 4 strength or higher has not made landfall in Jamaica in 174 years. Hurricane Gilbert was Category 3 when it crossed the island in 1988; Hurricanes Ivan and Beryl were both Category 4 but missed landfall.

Melissa is the 13th named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season, which runs until Nov. 30.