Hurricane Melissa is poised to become one of the most devastating hurricanes to hit the Caribbean in recent years. The storm will affect more than 1.5 million people, and so far, its strong winds have killed seven people just moments after making landfall in Jamaica.
President Gustavo Petro, in one of two posts on the matter on Tuesday, shared a video of the devastation the storm is causing. Due to the natural disaster, Jamaica has set up 881 shelters, of which only 133 have been occupied by residents and tourists who are fearfully awaiting the arrival of Melissa.
'They defend the Caribbean'
Category 5 Hurricane Melissa made landfall at 295 km/h (185 mph), and its winds have already caused havoc, causing power outages in Jamaica, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and southern Cuba. So far, it's the most devastating hurricane on record for Jamaica.
The UN-affiliated World Meteorological Organization (WMO) said that"it will undoubtedly be the storm of the century." According to Colombian meteorologist Max Henríquez, a maximum of 30 inches of rain is expected in the Caribbean country in 24 hours. This, in perspective, is"almost all of Bogotá's rainfall for a year."
Colombian President Gustavo Petro addressed the information about "Melissa" and asserted that she is one of the "hurricanes defending the Caribbean." The statement was criticized by social media users.
The president's announcement comes after the U.S. Army Southern Command announced that vessels in the Caribbean would be relocated away from"any area where current or forecast weather conditions are hazardous and may pose unacceptable levels of risk."
In response, the president asserted that"the Caribbean hurricane system is what brings water" to these territories and that "even La Guajira has water thanks to the rains brought by hurricanes."
Meanwhile, thousands of people, including tourists and residents of Jamaica, are seeking shelter at government-designated shelters from the strong winds."Melissa" already has a portion of its focus on the southwest of the Caribbean country, and those affected are simply hoping the winds don't bring about the tragedy they are expected to bring.
Kingston Mayor Andrew Swaby said the city is prepared for damage to its infrastructure and that"heavy machinery has been pre-positioned in a strategic location" to address such eventualities, according to a statement given to CNN.
The latest bulletin from the U.S. National Hurricane Center described Jamaica as"extremely dangerous and life-threatening," warning that the effects it will cause as it passes through the country include flash and catastrophic flooding, landslides, and destructive winds.
"Power and communications disruptions and isolated communities," in addition to catastrophic waves, are also expected along the country's southern coast. Warnings for heavy rain, storm surge, and damaging winds are also in effect for Haiti, the Dominican Republic, eastern Cuba, the Bahamas, and the Turks and Caicos Islands. However, for the latter, the most severe effects are expected between Wednesday and Thursday.
Social media videos published since last Monday, October 27, have already shown flooding in Jamaica and the panic the situation has generated among locals and tourists who, on the other hand, had to stay in the country due to the climate emergency.
