Kingston, 28 October (Udaipur Kiran)। The Caribbean nation of Jamaica is bracing for what could be the most powerful hurricane in its history as Category-5 storm Melissa moves rapidly towards its coastline. The US National Hurricane Center (NHC) has warned that the storm may make landfall by Monday night or early Tuesday, bringing the threat of “catastrophic devastation.”

According to NHC, Melissa’s wind speeds have reached 165 miles per hour (around 265 km/h), accompanied by waves as high as 13 feet and rainfall up to 40 inches. The agency cautioned that the storm could trigger severe flooding, landslides, and major disruptions in power and water supply. It also warned of “widespread infrastructure damage” and the possibility that several communities may lose all contact.

In response, the Jamaican government has issued mandatory evacuation orders for thousands of residents living along the coast. Officials fear this could become the strongest hurricane ever recorded in Jamaica’s history. So far, the storm has claimed three lives in Haiti and one in the Dominican Republic.

Meteorologists have expressed alarm over Melissa’s explosive growth — the storm gained an additional 70 mph in just 24 hours, a rate described as “extremely rapid intensification.” Climate scientists attribute such powerful storms to rising ocean temperatures and increasing greenhouse gas emissions.

Jamaica’s Minister of Water, Environment and Climate Change, Matthew Samuda, urged citizens to act immediately, saying, “The time for preparation is over. Now is the time to listen and follow instructions.” He warned that water supply disruptions could begin by Monday night, adding, “Every drop counts. Store water and use it wisely.”

Authorities have appealed to the public to stay indoors, stock essential supplies and medicines, and follow official advisories closely. The Meteorological Department has warned that if Hurricane Melissa maintains its current strength and course, it could cause unprecedented destruction in Jamaica, with power and communication systems likely to remain down for several days after the storm passes.