US prepared to send aid to storm-hit Jamaica as it happened

"The National Hurricane Center's 11pm ET public advisory said: Melissa is a category 4 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. Melissa is expected to remain a powerful hurricane when it moves across Cuba, the Bahamas, and near Bermuda. Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 30 miles (45 km) from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 195 miles (315 km)."

"Internet connectivity in Jamaica dropped to a low of 42% of normal levels, according to internet monitoring organisation NetBlocks. The storm's heavy winds caused widespread damage to power and communications infrastructure, cutting off many parts of the country, NetBlocks said. A video shared by the Jamaican Constabulary Force shows officers surveying extensive damage in Black River, close to where Hurricane Melissa made landfall on Tuesday as a Category 5 storm. The footage showed downed power lines, piles of debris and vehicles sitting in muddy water."

"The full extent of the damage in Jamaica remains unclear a comprehensive assessment could take days but witness accounts are emerging. Lisa Sangster, a 30-year-old communications specialist in Kingston, said her home was devastated by the storm. My sister... explained that parts of our roof was blown off and other parts caved in and the entire house was flooded, she told Agence France-Presse."

The National Hurricane Center's 11pm ET public advisory said Melissa was a Category 4 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson scale. Melissa is expected to remain a powerful hurricane as it moves across Cuba, the Bahamas, and near Bermuda. Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 30 miles from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 195 miles. Internet connectivity in Jamaica dropped to 42% of normal levels and heavy winds caused widespread damage to power and communications infrastructure. Video from the Jamaican Constabulary Force shows extensive damage in Black River with downed power lines, debris, and vehicles in muddy water. The full damage assessment could take days. Prime Minister Andrew Holness declared the island a disaster area and authorities warned residents to remain sheltered amid continued flooding and landslide risk.

Read at www.theguardian.com