At least three people have lost their lives in Jamaica as Hurricane Melissa, the most powerful storm recorded globally this year, moves closer to the island, authorities confirmed.
The Category 5 hurricane, packing maximum sustained winds of 175 mph, is expected to make landfall later on Tuesday.
Even before its arrival, Jamaica has been pounded by torrential rains and fierce winds, prompting officials to urge residents to remain indoors and seek shelter.
Health and Wellness Minister Christopher Tufton, in a recorded message Monday night, reported the storm-related fatalities.
“I’m very sad to say that over the past few days in preparation for the storm we have had three deaths,” he said.
According to Tufton, the incidents occurred during efforts to cut down trees, with one of the deaths resulting from electrocution.
“This is really tragic and our condolences goes out to the family members and where we can provide support as a health team, we have and we will,” he added.
Nearly 15 others have sustained injuries while making storm preparations, mostly from falls, while one injury was linked to a car accident.
Authorities have appealed to the public to take extra precautions during hurricane preparations.
“Even minor mistakes during hurricane conditions can result in serious injury or death,” the Health Ministry warned in a statement, urging residents to be careful while climbing roofs, placing sandbags, or cutting trees.
Meteorologists have forecast that Melissa will bring catastrophic winds, flash floods, and dangerous storm surges when it hits Jamaica, heightening fears of a humanitarian emergency.
Power supply has already been disrupted, with around 52,000 customers affected in the past 24 hours.
Though electricity has been restored to 30,000 of them, officials said ongoing rain and difficult terrain are hampering repair work.
Prime Minister Andrew Holness announced that more than 800 emergency shelters are operational nationwide, though only 76 are currently in use, accommodating 972 people. The numbers are expected to rise as the hurricane nears.
“Shelters are free and safe, families stay together and residents should bring medications, water and snacks,” Holness wrote on X. “False reports about fees or restrictions should be ignored.”
Meanwhile, Democrats on the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee have urged the State Department to mobilize disaster relief for Jamaica and coordinate international assistance once the storm hits.
“The United States shares deep and enduring ties with Jamaica; over a million Jamaican Americans are watching anxiously as their loved ones brace for catastrophe. The United States must stand with Jamaica and the entire Caribbean before, during and after Hurricane Melissa makes landfall,” said Reps. Gregory Meeks, D-N.Y., and Yvette Clarke, D-N.Y., in a joint statement.
