Tropical Storm Melissa continues to move slowly through the Caribbean and keeps several countries in the region on alert. The most recent bulletin from the National Hurricane Center (NHC) warns that the system will bring heavy rain, damaging winds and storm surge in the coming hours and days.

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Cuba Issues Early Warning as Tropical Storm Melissa Poses Growing Threat to the Caribbean

Authorities warn that torrential rains are expected in southwestern Haiti capable of generating catastrophic floods and landslides of great magnitude. So far, three people have died in the country and ten have been injured due to the effects of tropical storm Melissa.

While in the Dominican Republic, a man died after being swept away by the waters of an overflowing ravine in the north of Santo Domingo. The south of the country is the most affected with a high risk of floods and landslides, so the authorities are maintaining vigilance for the possibility of significant impacts on vulnerable communities.

In eastern Cuba, the NHC recommends constant monitoring of the system. Although the direct effects have not yet been confirmed, future warnings could include risks of heavy rainfall, strong winds and storm surge, which would force preparedness measures to be activated in the region.

In Jamaica, Melissa’s slow movement increases the risk of prolonged rainfall that could lead to flash floods and landslides. The NHC stresses that preparations to protect lives and property must be completed as soon as possible, as adverse conditions could begin between Saturday and Sunday.

The agency insists that the population should closely follow official updates and not rely solely on the trajectory of the forecast cone, as the effects of the storm may extend far beyond that area. Early preparation, the NHC stresses, is the best tool to reduce risks and save lives

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