Jamaica Evacuates Coastal Areas as Hurricane Melissa Intensifies

Mass Evacuations Underway as Category 5 Hurricane Approaches

Jamaican authorities have ordered mandatory evacuations for seven vulnerable coastal communities as Hurricane Melissa rapidly intensifies into a catastrophic Category 5 storm. The evacuation order, issued under the Disaster Risk Management Act, affects residents in Port Royal (Kingston), Portland Cottage and Rocky Point (Clarendon), Old Harbour Bay (St. Catherine), Taylor Land, New Haven, and Riverton City (St. Andrew).

Unprecedented Rainfall and Storm Surge Threats

Hurricane Melissa is forecast to bring historic rainfall totals of 15-30 inches across Jamaica, with localized amounts potentially exceeding 40 inches in some areas. The National Hurricane Center warns of life-threatening storm surges of 9-13 feet along the southern coast, particularly affecting Kingston and Norman Manley International Airport. 'These are rainfall numbers we've never heard before in Jamaica,' said one emergency official who requested anonymity.

The storm has already claimed at least four lives in neighboring Haiti and the Dominican Republic from its outer rainbands. Both international airports in Jamaica have been closed, and all 881 emergency shelters across the island have been activated to accommodate evacuees.

Government Response and Challenges

Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness emphasized the seriousness of the situation during a national address. 'This is not a drill. Hurricane Melissa represents an existential threat to our coastal communities,' he stated. Minister of Local Government Desmond McKenzie expressed particular concern about Kingston's vulnerability, noting: 'Kingston lies extremely low. No neighborhood in Kingston is immune to flooding.'

Despite the mandatory evacuation orders, authorities report challenges with compliance. Some residents in vulnerable areas have refused to board evacuation buses, citing concerns about leaving their homes and possessions unprotected.

Historical Context and Regional Impact

Hurricane Melissa marks the thirteenth named storm of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season and the third Category 5 hurricane this year. The storm underwent rapid intensification from a tropical storm to Category 4 hurricane in just 24 hours, then strengthened further to Category 5 status. Meteorologists note that only two other Category 5 hurricanes - Allen in 1980 and Ivan in 2004 - have tracked this close to Jamaica.

After impacting Jamaica, Melissa is expected to move into eastern Cuba on Tuesday night or early Wednesday, potentially still as a major hurricane. The slow movement of the storm - currently tracking at just 5 mph - significantly increases flooding risks across the region.

Emergency services across the Caribbean remain on high alert as the storm system continues its destructive path through the Greater Antilles. For ongoing updates, residents are advised to monitor official sources including the National Hurricane Center and local emergency management agencies.