Hurricane Report: Kingston, Jamaica

Hurricane Report: Kingston, Jamaica

Three delegates for Feast of Esther, founded by faith matriarch, Pastor Foluke Adeboye, arrived in Jamaica Kingston on Friday for a conference for female faith leaders on Saturday. Defying all odds they prayerfully held the conference which seemed salvation, rededication, deliverance, healing and transformation to all participants as the President for USA - Pastor Anthonia Adeyeye of Abundant Life Christian Church Brooklyn delivered the message urging women to take up their role as Esthers to stand on their watch. 

Though safe to travel on Sunday as scheduled, the delegates are locked down on Kingston because airlines cancelled flights and the country officials closed the airport much earlier than the projected landfall by Melissa. One wonders if this is genuinely for safety or greedily to curry the favour of international partners. 

But the delegates have turned the inability to travel to a prayer retreat as they continue to hold up the nation in prayer with Dr. Omolola Omoteso and Pastor Bridget Adeoye leading prayers for global peace. 

Category 5 hurricane, code named Melissa, made landfall in Jamaica, bringing catastrophic winds, storm surges, and flash flooding. 

Though storm's sustained winds is reported to have reached up to 175 mph, with gusts exceeding 200 mph, particularly in mountainous areas, Kingston, Jamaica is currently experiencing major hurricane conditions with strong sustained winds of 35 to 50 mph, with gusts potentially stronger. 

Steady rain with showers and thunderstorms continue into late afternoon with high of 82°F (28°C). 

The hurricane intensified in some areas of Jamaica bringing catastrophic flash flooding and landslides. Thunderstorms and gusty winds are expected, with the highs reaching low 80s and variable clouds overnight and a chance of showers. Low around 80F, with SW winds at 25 to 35 mph. 

The cloud and storm is moving over Jamaica, and crossing to eastern Cuba, the Bahamas, Turks and Caicos by Wednesday. 

Rainfall of 20-40 inches hit some areas leading to catastrophic flash flooding and landslides. 

Up to 13 feet of storm surge hit some areas with strong wind and caused extensive coastal flooding and extensive infrastructure damage to homes, hospitals and schools in southwestern Jamaica, cutting off communities from power supplies and overwhelming local authorities. 

Many who responded to mandatory evacuations orders were safely accommodated in  over 650 shelters opened across the country. 

Melissa is now centered off the northern coast of Jamaica after rushing ashore as one of the strongest Atlantic hurricanes in history. It is now downgraded to Category 4 hurricane as it heads next toward Cuba. 

While Melissa has reportedly not caused any death directly, three in Jamaica died during storm preparations, three in Haiti and one in the Dominican Republic.

It is important for the nation to rally round counsellors and chaplains and open a tollfree line through which persons seeking comfort, counsel and encouragement can get help. A woman found at a restaurant transfixed in fear was promptly counselled and calmed by Chaplain Omolola.  There can be a surve in mental health issues as an indirect impact of the hurricane.

Meanwhile, airlines in Kingston and Montego Bay are projected to open between tomorrow and Friday October 31, 2025.

Report by Dr. Omolola Omoteso

Dr. Omolola Omoteso-Famuyiwa is a journalist and minister who is passionate about sharing God's words for the healing of others.