Hurricane Melissa, currently a Category 2 storm passing over eastern Cuba toward the Bahamas, made landfall as a Category 5 storm during late morning hours yesterday in western Jamaica. It had sustained winds of 185mph, making it one of the most powerful storms to ever make landfall in the Caribbean. It wreaked havoc from Black River up to Montego Bay, destroying buildings, knocking out power, and causing significant flooding.
Situation Report
Electrical Infrastructure
- About three-quarters of Jamaica is without power.
- The restoration of electricity is focused on hospitals and critical water pumping stations.
- The least-damaged areas are having power restored first as crews have access to those regions.
Communications
- Two main telecom providers, Digicel and Flow, are reporting increases in service disruptions primarily due to power outages, not network infrastructure damage.
- Internet disruptions are reported island-wide due to power outages.
Airports
- All international airports in Jamaica, including Norman Manley International (Kingston) and Sangster International (Montego Bay), remain closed until further notice.
- Kingston International Airport is likely to open Thursday, October 30, for emergency relief flights.
- Sangster Montego Bay Airport suffered significant damage including partial destruction of terminals and flooding inside buildings.
- It is likely to remain closed for several weeks if not longer.
Flooding
- Catastrophic flooding has submerged large parts of western Jamaica, with the parish of St Elizabeth described as “significantly submerged”.
- Central parishes have seen floodwaters reach the rooftops of two-story houses, and storm surges have raised coastal water levels by up to 12ft.
- Landslides and flash floods are widespread, with risks growing as rain will continue through tomorrow. The National Hurricane Center places rainfall totals between 12-24 inches across the island.
Road Infrastructure
- Blocked roads, downed trees, and toppled utility poles are reported in almost every parish.
- Multiple communities are cut off by debris and flooding.
Casualties
- Three deaths have since been recorded in Jamaica due to the hurricane; however, this is likely to rise significantly.
STANDING BY TO Support
Global Guardian is closely monitoring the situation and can support clients who need assistance with local teams in the area to provide:
- Satellite communications (phone and wireless internet)
- Emergency aviation
- Security response and theft prevention
- Emergency medical and tele-medical support
- Relief and supplies
- Power generators
- Drone site assessments
- Bespoke intelligence reports and briefings
- Evacuation by ground where feasible
Click below to contact Global Guardian's 24/7 Operations Center or call us directly at +1 (703) 566-9463.
