Weather

Jamaica has reported around 8 deaths from Hurricane Melissa, including 2 in St Elizabeth, 2 in Black River, and 1 each in St Catherine, Galleon Beach, and Hanover.

Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie reported that the situation in St. Elizabeth is worsening, with several families trapped in their homes as rescue teams work to evacuate them to safety.

The death toll from Hurricane Melissa has risen to 13 across the Caribbean, with one child still missing amid the chaos.

Original on-ground reporting and expert analysis on why Hurricane Melissa devastated Jamaica beyond past storms like Gilbert and Ivan.

Due to the calamity, the reports of damage to schools, hospitals and road infrastructure have been recorded across Jamaica.

No damage or injuries have been reported, and conditions in the affected regions remain stable.

Amid the threat of Hurricane Melissa, there are also chances of the formation of another storm in the Southwest of Baja, California.

On-ground reporters reveal that the country has entered survival mode, with empty roads, cleared supermarkets, and shuttered shops as citizens prepare for the storm.

The National Hurricane Centre confirmed that four victims from Haiti were from Fontamara and Marigot, while two victims from Jamaica were from St. Elizabeth and Hanover.

Five offshore earthquakes, including a 6.7 magnitude tremor, struck near Dominica, Antigua and Barbuda and Gaudeloupe within an hour raising concerns among public.

Hurricane Melissa has now passed over Jamaica and left the country in a trail of devastating destruction.

Tropical Storm Melissa is expected to bring several days of damaging winds and heavy rainfall starting late Saturday or Sunday.

This advisory was issued as TS Melissa is slowly moving towards the island and is strengthening into a hurricane with life threatening winds.

Melissa is also expected to produce heavy rainfall across portions of the Dominican Republic and Jamaica, further posing risks of life-threatening flash flooding and landslides across communities.

The rainfall caused flooding in several key areas, including Jennings, Follies, Pigotts, and Golden Grove.

Authorities warn that saturated soil increases the risk of landslides and flooding in low-lying areas.

A weak trough is expected to bring periods of cloudiness and scattered showers, though heavier rainfall is likely to remain south of Dominica.

The watch has described that flooding is possible within the forecast period.

Moisture and instability from a trough will affect Dominica, bringing showers and the potential for isolated thunderstorms.

The centre also predicted that the intense density of the Tropical Storm will reach its peak which will remain below the intensity of Hurricane.