Hurricane "Melissa" Threatens the Caribbean with Destructive Force Amid Emergency Preparations in Jamaica and Haiti

Hurricane "Melissa" has intensified into a Category 4 hurricane, with predictions that it will strengthen to Category 5 within hours, according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center.

The hurricane is moving slowly westward, accompanied by winds reaching speeds of 220 kilometers per hour, threatening floods and landslides in the northern Caribbean, especially in Jamaica and Haiti.

The center of the hurricane is currently located about 180 kilometers southeast of Kingston, and it is expected to hit the southern coast of Jamaica on Monday evening or Tuesday morning.

Deputy Director of the center, Jamie Rhome, warned that weather conditions will deteriorate rapidly, urging residents to prepare for harsh conditions for several days.

Rainfall amounts are expected to reach 760 mm in some areas, and may exceed 1000 mm in others, significantly increasing the risk of floods and landslides.

In response to these threats, the Jamaican government announced the closure of Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay by midday, as well as the closure of Norman Manley Airport in Kingston on Saturday evening, and activated the National Emergency Agency's level three response protocol.