Category 5 Hurricane Melissa Threatens Jamaica, Haiti, Cuba with Severe Impact

Hurricane Melissa has intensified into a Category 5 storm, posing a severe threat to Jamaica, Haiti, Cuba, and the southeastern Bahamas, with Jamaica expecting a direct hit featuring catastrophic winds and heavy rainfall. The US National Hurricane Center forecasts 15-40 inches of rain in Jamaica, raising concerns over flooding, landslides, and significant infrastructure damage. The Jamaican government has activated 881 shelters, enforced mandatory evacuations in flood-prone areas, and urged residents to prepare and seek refuge, while grocery stores have experienced shortages of essential supplies. Belize's Ministry of Education, Science and Technology is closely coordinating with Jamaican authorities and the University of the West Indies to ensure the safety of Belizean students in Jamaica during the storm. Tourism sectors in Jamaica are also bracing for impact, with hotels boarding up windows and tourists preparing to shelter in place. Regional officials continue to monitor the storm closely to mitigate its destructive effects and protect vulnerable communities.