High alert for ‘Melissa’
Published:Wednesday | October 22, 2025 | 12:09 AM
As Tropical Storm Melissa moves slowly across the central Caribbean, with potential impacts on Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, and Haiti, local disaster coordinators have been placed on high alert to assist vulnerable persons.
As of Tuesday evening, Jamaica remained under a tropical storm watch, with forecasters suggesting a warning could be issued today.
Minister of Water, Environment and Climate Change, Matthew Samuda, told Parliament that the island’s network of 881 shelters would be activated as needed. Shelter managers are already on alert and preparing designated spaces.
The National Response Team, coordinated by the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), met yesterday to assess the situation and plan next steps. The team includes stakeholders such as the Meteorological Service of Jamaica and municipal corporations.
Melissa is the 13th named storm of the hurricane season and the first to form in the Caribbean Sea.
Samuda noted that the recent calm in the region allowed sea temperatures to rise to record levels, fuelling storm intensification – a phenomenon scientists call “rocket fuel”.
CLIMATE REALITY
He said this is another stark demonstration of the urgent climate reality confronting small island developing states like Jamaica, a reality that demands both local preparedness and continued advocacy for global climate action.
Samuda said Jamaica is coordinating with foreign partners while monitoring the storm with its doppler radar system.
“We urge citizens, particularly those in flood-prone and low-lying areas, to remain attentive to official advisories, avoid misinformation, and take all necessary precautions,” Samuda advised.
He encouraged Jamaicans to monitor the updates from official sources.
“While we hope that Tropical Storm Melissa will spare our island significant impact, we must prepare for the worst, even as we pray for the best.”
However, at a press conference held by the parliamentary Opposition, local government spokesperson Natalie Garvey questioned the effectiveness of Samuda’s statement.
She argued that it failed to address how the government would support vulnerable communities. Garvey also pointed out that many councillors have not received funding since July, limiting their ability to clear community drains and assist residents.
“When you come to the Parliament to tell us, ‘Storm a come’, we know storm a come. ... What we expected to hear ... is ... how you will help us as representatives of the people to assist our vulnerable citizens and communities.”