The outer bands of Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm, and the strongest ever to approach Jamaica, is already beginning to affect the island, and the full impact is expected this morning.
At 8am, the US Hurricane Centre placed Melissa just 90 KM SSE of Negril.
On the forecast track, the core of Melissa is expected to make landfall on Jamaica during the late morning into the evening as it moves across southeastern Cuba Wednesday morning, and move across the southeastern or central Bahamas later on Wednesday.
According to a report on the Jamaica Gleaner, three people have died and 13 others were injured while preparing for Hurricane Melissa.
The islands Health Minister said most injuries were linked to persons falling from ladders or rooftops.
And, the Jamaica Defence Force has called out the Jamaica National Reserve to support the national disaster preparedness and assistance efforts.
At this time, many Jamaicans have been evacuated.
Some fluctuations in intensity are likely before Melissa makes landfall but the storm will remain at dangerous strength, even when it moves across to Cuba and the Bahamas tomorrow.
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar says T&T stands ready to assist Jamaica and has assured the country’s leader Andrew Holness that immediate assistance will be provided once the storm passes.
T&T is prepared to send manpower, technical support, emergency supplies, and food items to aid recovery efforts.
The ODPM, Defence Force, and key ministries will coordinate this response.
The Government also plans to launch a nationwide collection drive to gather relief items from citizens, businesses, and community groups.
