A powerful hurricane is approaching Jamaica. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs warns tourists from Poland
Jamaican Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness ordered the immediate evacuation of several vulnerable communities on Sunday as Melissa approaches the island with life-threatening rain and wind. The order enters into force immediately and orders the evacuation of all people in the indicated areas, including in the vicinity of the capital Kingston and, among others, Port Royal and Old Harbor Bay.
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What are the concerns about Hurricane Melissa?
When will the hurricane reach Jamaica?
What are the recommendations for Poles staying in Jamaica?
What threats does a hurricane pose to the inhabitants of Jamaica?
There are also Poles in Jamaica. In a conversation with a reporter from RMF FM radio, Maciej Wiewiór, spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, appealed to his compatriots to be careful. — We ask all Poles to find a safe shelter and listen to the instructions of local emergency services, said the official, assuring that “consular services from the Polish diplomatic mission in Jamaica are monitoring the situation.”
Parts of Haiti and Jamaica are forecast to potentially see up to 102 centimeters of rain — and even more in some places.
Hurricane Melissa. Authorities close airports and issue warnings
Authorities warn of widespread flooding and landslides, especially in low-lying areas. Life-threatening storm surges of 2.7 to 4 meters are also expected along Jamaica's southern coast. “Disastrous flash floods and landslides are likely in parts of southern Hispaniola (an island divided into Haiti and the Dominican Republic) and Jamaica,” forecasters said.
All airports in Jamaica were closed on Sunday, the country's transport minister said. Starlink, a telecommunications subsidiary of SpaceX, provided communications support to the government during and after the hurricane.
Hurricane warnings are also in effect in parts of eastern Cuba. Melissa is forecast to arrive there on Tuesday evening as a strong hurricane. The US Naval Base in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, announced the evacuation of non-essential US citizens from the island. Everyone was to be evacuated no later than Sunday morning. Each person could take one bag weighing up to approx. 18 kg and hand luggage.
