Tropical Storm Melissa has brought heavy rainfall to regions of Haiti, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic, prompting meteorologists to warn of significant flooding risks in Northern Caribbean areas. Officials have advised residents in flood-prone zones to seek higher ground.
The President of the Dominican Republic, Luis Abinader, announced that schools in nine provinces would be closed on Wednesday and Thursday, and he has ordered the shutdown of non-essential government offices and private businesses.
In southern parts of the country, dozens of residents have already sought refuge in shelters, while around 500 rescue volunteers have been deployed across the region to provide assistance. Officials also reported that numerous water supply networks have become non-operational, impacting over half a million users.
In Haiti, residents expressed concerns about the potential for severe flooding, recalling that previous storms have caused widespread destruction due to significant soil erosion in the area.
Meanwhile, in Jamaica, Minister of Water and Environment Matthew Samuda stated that 881 shelters are prepared for use if necessary, courts have been ordered to close, and schools shifted to remote learning.