Meteorologists have forecast that the approaching Tropical Storm Melissa could dump as much as eight to 16 inches of rain on Jamaica, Haiti, eastern Cuba, and south-western portions of the Dominican Republic.

That is information we should take very seriously as we prepare for what is shaping up to be another few days of extremely nasty weather.

On Tuesday, the Meteorological Office issued a tropical storm watch for Jamaica and, in tandem with the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), advised Jamaicans to take precaution as the cyclone is expected to unleash heavy rainfall, gusty winds, and possible flash flooding as it tracks northward later this week.

The potential risk to life and property, particularly from landslides, is very high, given that heavy rainfall we have been experiencing in recent weeks has left soil saturated.

As Minister of Water, Environment, and Climate Change Matthew Samuda noted in his statement in Parliament yesterday, Melissa is the 13th named storm of the season, but notably the first to form in the Caribbean Sea.

He also pointed out that the extended period of calm in the Caribbean this year allowed sea temperatures to rise to record levels, creating what scientists now call “rocket fuel” for storm intensification.

Mr Samuda also correctly highlighted the fact that this is another stark demonstration of the urgent climate reality confronting small island developing states like Jamaica — a reality that demands both local preparedness and continued advocacy for global climate action.

On the matter of preparedness, Minister Samuda has told us that the country’s emergency management teams, under the coordination of ODPEM, are on full alert.

He also said that the islandwide network of 881 shelters will be made available as the need arises, and shelter managers are already preparing the designated spaces.

We also heard from the mayors of Mandeville and Black River, councillors Donovan Mitchell and Richard Solomon, respectively, who have assured us that they met with all relevant agencies on Tuesday to finalise preparations.

We expect that the same is true for other municipalities.

Our appeal, therefore, is for all Jamaicans to prepare for the worst, even as we hope that Melissa will weaken and dissipate before creating any damage here as well as in our sister Caribbean nations.

We should not forget the experiences of storms and hurricanes past, the most recent being Hurricane Beryl, which sideswiped Jamaica at Category Four strength in July 2024, resulting in at least three deaths and damage estimated in excess of $32 billion.

Numerous homes, schools, and other infrastructure were destroyed or damaged. Farmers took a huge hit and electricity service was seriously undermined, leaving entire communities without power for well in excess of two months in some cases.

As we pointed out at the start of the Atlantic Hurricane Season this year, we were encouraged that a determined effort to be ready was made, starting with a Jamaica Public Service-led multi-agency hurricane simulation exercise in April.

Under that initiative the light and power company, Flow, Digicel, National Water Commission, National Works Agency, and ODPEM tested and strengthened emergency response coordination.

Additionally, the Government said it would be spending approximately $832 million on critical mitigation work across the island, up from $102 million allocated for similar activities in 2024.

All that is good, but we reiterate that we all have a responsibility for our personal safety.