Jakarta, CNN Indonesia --

Jamaica  braces for the deadly threat from  Hurricane Melissa on Monday (10/27).

The storm quickly intensified into a category 5 hurricane, which is the highest level on the tropical storm strength scale.

Residents across the island rushed to find shelter from the potentially most violent weather ever recorded in the country.

Melissa has already claimed at least four lives in Haiti and the Dominican Republic, before it is expected to make direct landfall in Jamaica with heavy rain and high winds.

According to the US National Hurricane Center (NHC), Melissa is now packing maximum sustained winds of nearly 165 miles (270 kilometers) per hour.

The main danger lies not only in the strength of the winds, but also in their extremely slow speed, only about 3 miles per hour—slower than human walking speed. This movement puts the affected areas at risk of experiencing extreme conditions for a longer period.

The NHC predicts heavy rainfall that could trigger flash floods and landslides in Jamaica, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic.

"The potential for extreme rainfall from this slow-moving storm could create a major disaster in Jamaica," said NHC Deputy Director Jamie Rhome.

In addition, a storm surge is expected to hit Jamaica's southern coast, with sea levels rising to around 4 meters and large, destructive waves.

Experts warn that Melissa could be the strongest hurricane to make landfall in Jamaica in recorded history.

NHC Director Michael Brennan urged Jamaicans to remain sheltered until Tuesday, as weather conditions are expected to continue to worsen.

In some areas, residents lacking safe shelter have taken refuge in makeshift shelters. In the farming community of Flagaman, St. Elizabeth County, some residents are sheltering in a bar owned by Enrico Coke.

"I opened this place because my neighbors had nowhere else to go," Coke said.

"I'm worried about the fate of the farmers and fishermen. They will suffer greatly after this. We need help as soon as possible, especially clean water."

Meanwhile, in the Dominican Republic, a 79-year-old man was found dead after being swept away by a river current, and a 13-year-old boy was reported missing. In Haiti, three people died due to storm conditions.

A Dominican Republic resident, Angelita Francisco (66), told AFP that her house was flooded and her refrigerator was washed away.

"I felt helpless, I could only run and leave everything behind," he said, crying.

The NHC warned that Melissa could cause catastrophic flash flooding, landslides, and extensive infrastructure damage, including power outages and prolonged communication disruptions.

According to meteorologist Kerry Emanuel, global climate warming is accelerating the intensification of storms like Melissa, and increasing the risk of extreme rainfall.

"Flooding is a major cause of damage and loss of life. Water kills far more people than wind," he explained.

Kingston's international airport and all ports have been closed since Saturday night. The government has activated hundreds of emergency shelters across the country.

"This is a no-win bet. You can't challenge Melissa," said government official Desmond McKenzie.

After crossing Jamaica, Hurricane Melissa is expected to move north and hit eastern Cuba on Tuesday night, while continuing to bring heavy rain and strong winds to Haiti and the Dominican Republic.

(isn/isn)