PH Embassy urges Pinoys in Jamaica to prepare for Category 5 Hurricane Melissa

NEW YORK - The Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C. has advised Filipinos residing in Jamaica to take precautions and prepare for Category 5 Hurricane Melissa, described as the strongest hurricane in the planet this year.

It is also the most powerful hurricane in Jamaica’s history, with catastrophic impact expected early Tuesday morning (local time), according to reports.

The embassy emphasized that the safety of all Filipinos living in areas affected by the hurricane is its top priority. It urged community members in the Caribbean to keep their important documents, such as passports and IDs, in a safe place, and to stay informed through official news and government advisories.

“The safety of Filipino nationals is the Embassy's priority. Please stay informed by monitoring updates from local news and government agencies, and ensure that important documents such as passports and IDs are secured. We are actively monitoring the situation and coordinating with the Philippine Honorary Consulate in Jamaica and Filipino community leaders in the region,” the embassy said in a statement.

According to Advisory No. 26 from the National Hurricane Center and the Central Pacific Hurricane Center, the following warnings remain in effect:

• Jamaica

Residents should remain in safe shelters and avoid going outside. Catastrophic, life-threatening flash floods and numerous landslides are expected through Tuesday. The eyewall’s destructive winds may cause total structural failure, particularly in higher elevations, leading to severe infrastructure damage, power outages, and isolated communities. Along the southern coast, a life-threatening storm surge and damaging waves are anticipated.

• Haiti and the Dominican Republic

Catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and landslides are expected across southwestern Haiti and southern parts of the Dominican Republic through midweek. In Haiti, extensive infrastructure damage and isolation of communities are likely. Tropical storm conditions are expected late Tuesday and Wednesday.

• Eastern Cuba

Heavy rainfall with life-threatening and potentially catastrophic flooding and landslides is expected to begin tonight. Storm surge and damaging winds are forecast to intensify late Tuesday and into Tuesday night. Residents are advised to complete all necessary preparations immediately.

• Southeast and Central Bahamas / Turks and Caicos

Hurricane conditions, life-threatening storm surge, and heavy rainfall are expected across portions of the southeast and central Bahamas on Wednesday. Residents should follow the advice of local authorities and ensure all preparations are completed by Tuesday night. The Turks and Caicos Islands will also experience tropical storm conditions, heavy rain, and significant storm surge on Wednesday.

Filipinos on alert

Around 300 Filipinos living and working in Jamaica are bracing for the impact of Hurricane Melissa. Mimi Ignacio, who lives in Kingston, told GMA Integrated News that the situation remains calm for now, but residents are preparing for the worst.

“It’s calm at the moment, but we’re getting ready. We expect to lose power and communication once the hurricane hits,” Ignacio said.

The Philippine Embassy has provided hotlines for Filipinos who may need emergency or consular assistance: +1 (202) 368-2767 +1 (202) 769-8049 —AOL, GMA Integrated News