Caribbean Bracing for Catastrophic Flash Flooding and Landslides as Hurricane Melissa Bears Down
A powerful storm system, Hurricane Melissa, is set to wreak havoc on parts of Jamaica, Cuba, and Hispaniola, with experts warning of catastrophic flash flooding and widespread landslides. The U.S. National Hurricane Center has issued a "worrisome" landslide risk assessment for the region, citing Melissa's slow movement, mountainous terrain, and torrential rainfall amounts that could reach up to 40 inches in some areas.
Landslides are a deadly and destructive force of nature, capable of traveling at speeds of tens of miles per hour and causing widespread damage. According to experts, landslides can be triggered by earthquakes, heavy rain, and changes in soil conditions such as construction or agricultural practices.
In Jamaica, the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management has identified landslides as the most common natural hazard on the island. The Blue Mountains, with their steep hill slopes, are a region where landslides could occur with ease due to heavy rain. Additionally, areas that have been clearcut for agriculture could be susceptible to landslides, as the plants that once held the soil together no longer exist.
The consequences of such events can be devastating. In Puerto Rico, roads built on steep hills were affected by landslides during hurricanes Fiona and Maria in 2022 and 2017, respectively. Experts warn that these landslides often create their own problems, as the very infrastructure intended to mitigate damage can ultimately exacerbate the issue.
As Hurricane Melissa bears down on the Caribbean, residents are bracing for the worst. The region's mountainous terrain and seismically active zones make it particularly vulnerable to catastrophic flash flooding and widespread landslides. With the storm system expected to bring heavy rain and strong winds, experts urge caution and vigilance in the coming days.
The risk of death from landslides is significant, with an average annual toll of 25-50 people in the U.S. alone, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. Globally, thousands are affected every year, making it essential for governments and emergency responders to take proactive measures to mitigate this threat. As Hurricane Melissa brings its fury to the Caribbean, all eyes will be on the skies as authorities work tirelessly to prepare for the worst.
A powerful storm system, Hurricane Melissa, is set to wreak havoc on parts of Jamaica, Cuba, and Hispaniola, with experts warning of catastrophic flash flooding and widespread landslides. The U.S. National Hurricane Center has issued a "worrisome" landslide risk assessment for the region, citing Melissa's slow movement, mountainous terrain, and torrential rainfall amounts that could reach up to 40 inches in some areas.
Landslides are a deadly and destructive force of nature, capable of traveling at speeds of tens of miles per hour and causing widespread damage. According to experts, landslides can be triggered by earthquakes, heavy rain, and changes in soil conditions such as construction or agricultural practices.
In Jamaica, the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management has identified landslides as the most common natural hazard on the island. The Blue Mountains, with their steep hill slopes, are a region where landslides could occur with ease due to heavy rain. Additionally, areas that have been clearcut for agriculture could be susceptible to landslides, as the plants that once held the soil together no longer exist.
The consequences of such events can be devastating. In Puerto Rico, roads built on steep hills were affected by landslides during hurricanes Fiona and Maria in 2022 and 2017, respectively. Experts warn that these landslides often create their own problems, as the very infrastructure intended to mitigate damage can ultimately exacerbate the issue.
As Hurricane Melissa bears down on the Caribbean, residents are bracing for the worst. The region's mountainous terrain and seismically active zones make it particularly vulnerable to catastrophic flash flooding and widespread landslides. With the storm system expected to bring heavy rain and strong winds, experts urge caution and vigilance in the coming days.
The risk of death from landslides is significant, with an average annual toll of 25-50 people in the U.S. alone, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. Globally, thousands are affected every year, making it essential for governments and emergency responders to take proactive measures to mitigate this threat. As Hurricane Melissa brings its fury to the Caribbean, all eyes will be on the skies as authorities work tirelessly to prepare for the worst.
! like I know hurricane season is no joke but can we pls prep for landslides too? 
Jamaica and Cuba are about to get hit with some serious rain and hills... it's a recipe for disaster 
. I mean, I know they have teams on the ground prepping but still 
. those blue mountains in jamaica sound super sketchy btw 
. And what if ppl try 2 build roads after landslides already happened? like isn't that just gonna make it worse? 
that's just insane! and it's not just the flooding that's a concern, those landslides are super deadly too... like, tens of miles per hour and all that. i'm literally sending thoughts to everyone in Jamaica and Cuba right now. u gotta respect the power of nature, lol. and yeah, puerto rico already dealt with some crazy landslides during those hurricanes, it's not something to be taken lightly at all 
. gotta respect the power of mother earth 
.
it's crazy to think that thousands of people globally get affected every year by landslides 
But at the same time, I don't know if it's really that bad? Like, we've had worse storms before, right? 
And also, think of all the good things that could come from this, like how it'll help us appreciate our homes more and stuff... 
Plus, scientists are always improving their models and predicting these events better, so maybe they can really prepare for it. 
However, I just saw a video of landslides in Puerto Rico last year and it was SO scary! 
How do we even prepare for that kind of disaster? And what if it's not as bad as predicted? Should we still take precautions just in case? 
.
is jamaica taking these landslides seriously? like they said it's their most common natural hazard and now hurricane melissa is bearing down on them 
25-50 deaths per year from landslides in the u.s. alone? that's just not right 
governments gotta step up their game and take proactive measures to mitigate this threat 
. It's like, what even is the point of having all these warnings and predictions if we're not gonna do something about it? 
. Clearcutting for agriculture? Are you kidding me?! That's just asking for trouble. I mean, what happens when those plants that were holding the soil together get cut down? The soil just goes from being stable to unstable, and then BAM! Landslide. It's like a ticking time bomb.
I'm really worried about the people living in Jamaica and Cuba right now 
. The thought of those roads in Puerto Rico being affected again is just heartbreaking 
. We need to do everything we can to help those in need and make sure they're safe 
. I'm keeping all my fingers crossed that Hurricane Melissa doesn't bring any major disasters 
. Can only hope that the authorities are prepared and doing everything they can to protect everyone 
.
We really need better infrastructure up in there ASAP. The Caribbean's already had enough from past storms, this one could be a total game-changer 