By Belize Live News Staff: As Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm, approaches Jamaica, the BBC reports that three people have been killed and nearly 15 others injured while preparing for the hurricane’s arrival.
Jamaica’s Minister of Health, Chris Tufton, confirmed the fatalities, stating that all occurred during storm preparation activities.
“Over the past few days, in preparation for the storm we have had three deaths — three deaths linked to cutting down of trees, and in one instance electrocution because of, or due to, the cutting down of a tree,” Tufton said.
One victim, a health worker in St. Elizabeth, died after a tree fell on him. According to the Jamaica Observer, the man was airlifted to hospital but later succumbed to his injuries.
Tufton added that nearly 15 injuries have been recorded, mostly from falls off rooftops and trees while residents secured their homes.
“We urge the public to exercise extreme caution,” Jamaica’s Ministry of Health said. “Activities such as climbing roofs, securing sandbags, or cutting trees may seem manageable, but even minor mistakes during hurricane conditions can result in serious injury or death.”
The BBC also reports that Hurricane Melissa has been linked to four additional deaths in Haiti and the Dominican Republic, bringing the regional death toll to seven.
Authorities in Jamaica continue to warn residents to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary risks as the hurricane’s outer bands lash parts of the island.
