Four people died due to Hurricane Melissa in southern Jamaica.

Four people died due to Hurricane Melissa in southern Jamaica. This was reported on October 29 by the Jamaica Observer newspaper, citing a statement by Desmond Mackenzie, Minister of Local Government and Community Development.

"McKenzie confirmed that four people died in St. Elizabeth as a result of the strong winds and rains caused by Hurricane Melissa. <...> The dead are three men and one woman, who are believed to have been washed away by floodwaters formed as a result of the storm," the publication said.

It is noted that at this time more than 25 thousand people are housed in shelters.

The Jamaican authorities ordered not to close any of them until the damage assessment is completed.

Blowing downwind: Hurricane Melissa threatens the entire Caribbean region

Jamaica is preparing to face the most devastating consequences in the last century.

On October 26, it was reported that Hurricane Melissa became a category one hurricane due to an increase in wind speed to almost 150 km/h. According to the US National Hurricane Monitoring Center (NHC), the disaster may reach the island state of Jamaica, the southwestern part of the Republic of Haiti, the Cuban provinces of Granma, Santiago de Cuba, Guantanamo and Holguin within 36 hours.

On October 29, it was reported that the hurricane reached Jamaica and left about 540,000 homes without electricity. He later reached Cuba, which led to the evacuation of the population.

According to AFP, Melissa has become the most powerful hurricane to reach land in 90 years.

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