Hurricane Melissa had already killed three people in Haiti and one in the Dominican Republic|@NHC_Atlantic|X
Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Jamaica on Tuesday as a powerful Category 5 storm, creating an extremely dangerous and life-threatening situation, according to the National Hurricane Center.
Officials confirmed three storm-related deaths before the hurricane hit.
Prime Minister Andrew Holness said it is the strongest storm to strike Jamaica in 174 years, and warned of hurricane-force winds, heavy rainfall, and severe flooding.
The storm tore off roofs, uprooted trees, and triggered landslides that left several regions underwater. Nearly 540,000 homes lost power, and 15,000 people sought refuge in shelters.
Researchers at Climate Central said ocean waters 1.4 degrees Celsius warmer than average, fueled by climate change, likely boosted Melissa’s strength and increased potential damages by up to 50%.