Storm brings death and flooding to Jamaica and region

Anadolu Agency

At least three people have reportedly died in Jamaica during preparations for Hurricane Melissa. The storm’s centre is forecast to pass near or over the island early Tuesday, bringing life-threatening winds and heavy rain.

According to the U.S. National Hurricane Center, Melissa is advancing towards Jamaica with maximum sustained winds of 175 miles (281 km) per hour. As of 8 pm ET, the storm’s centre was located about 155 miles (249 km) southwest of the capital, Kingston, moving northwest at 2 miles (3.2 km) per hour. It is expected to turn north overnight and then northeast on Tuesday.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness has ordered evacuations in vulnerable areas and urged residents to stay indoors and follow evacuation orders. Holness wrote on X: “I urge every Jamaican to prepare, stay indoors during the storm, and comply with evacuation orders… We will weather this storm and rebuild stronger.”

The hurricane has also claimed four lives in Haiti and the Dominican Republic, where heavy rains have caused widespread flooding and landslides.

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