Hurricane Melissa

Meteorologist: Could quickly become a humanitarian crisis

Hurricane Melissa, which has been upgraded to Category 5 and is approaching Jamaica, could be the most powerful hurricane to ever hit the island. The storm is feared to lead to meter-high waves along the coast of the capital Kingston, where several of the country's most important infrastructure facilities are located.

- This could quickly develop into a real humanitarian crisis, and it will likely require extensive international support, says meteorologist Jonathan Porter to the AP.

Climate Minister Matthew Samuda has warned that the country's water supply will be severely affected. At a press conference, he urges residents to conserve resources.

- The time for preparations is almost over, he says according to CNN.

The hurricane is expected to make landfall during the night towards Tuesday.

Hurricane threatening Jamaica upgraded to the highest level

Hurricane Melissa has been upgraded to Category 5 - the highest level - by the US National Hurricane Center, reports AFP.

It is expected to reach Jamaica late tonight or early tomorrow. The hurricane could be the strongest ever to hit the island nation.

Authorities are warning of up to a meter of rain and catastrophic flooding. The hurricane is also moving extremely slowly and therefore stays over the areas it passes for a long time, which further worsens the situation. 

"Many communities cannot cope with the flooding"

Authorities in Jamaica are urging evacuations ahead of Hurricane Melissa, which is expected to reach the island on Monday night or early Tuesday. 900 evacuation centers have been set up across the country, writes Sky News.

The hurricane has increased in strength over the weekend and on Monday morning it is classified as a Category 5, the highest level, by the US National Hurricane Center.

Many cities "will not cope with the flooding", according to Minister Desmond McKenzie. He points out that Kingston, for example, is low-lying and that no part of the city can be assumed to be protected from the masses of water.

According to the New York Times, the hurricane could be the most powerful to ever hit Jamaica.