10/27/2025October 27, 2025
Some Jamaicans refuse to evacuate for Hurricane Melissa
Some residents say they fear their homes may be lootedImage: Matias Delacroix/AP Photo/picture alliance
Mandatory evacuations were issued for flood-prone areas in Jamaica, with buses transporting residents to safe shelters.
Government official Desmond McKenzie announced that storm shelters across the island had been opened and urged citizens to heed evacuation warnings.
“This is one bet you cannot win. You cannot bet against Melissa,” he warned.
Still, some residents chose to remain in their homes.
“My only worry is flooding because we live close to the sea,” said Hyacinth White, who said she had no intention of moving to a shelter.
Officials expressed concern that fewer than 1,000 people were using the more than 880 shelters available across the country.
“It’s way, way below what is required for a Category 5 hurricane,” said Daryl Vaz, Jamaica’s transport minister, who urged people “to be smart … If you are not, unfortunately, you will pay the consequences.”
Noel Francis, a 64-year-old fisherman from the southern town of Old Harbor Bay, said, “I hear what they’re saying, but I’m not leaving. I can take care of myself.”
Meanwhile, several towns along Jamaica’s southern coast reported power outages as winds strengthened overnight.
