Global News Podcast Jamaicans hunker down for Hurricane Melissa
11 snips
Oct 28, 2025 
David Willis, a BBC correspondent in Los Angeles, and Milton Walker, head of broadcast news at RJR Gleaner Communications in Jamaica, provide critical insights into Hurricane Melissa. They discuss Jamaica's preparations, the risks of catastrophic flooding, and shelter arrangements. Willis highlights the hurricane’s magnitude as the strongest storm of 2025, while Walker shares local sentiments and logistical challenges. The conversation gives a vivid view of how communities brace for substantial weather impacts, revealing resilience amidst adversity.
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Melissa: A Catastrophic Slow-Moving Storm
- Hurricane Melissa intensified to nearly 300 km/h and is the world's strongest storm of the year, threatening Jamaica with catastrophic wind and rain.
- Slow movement raises the risk of widespread flooding, landslides and severe economic and humanitarian damage.
Local Shelter Numbers And Evacuation Resistance
- Milton Walker reported 2,002 people in shelters with 800 opened and 133 active across four parishes.
- He said many residents resisted compulsory evacuations despite police and army efforts to move them.
Move To Higher Ground Immediately
- The US National Hurricane Center warned of catastrophic flash flooding and landslides and urged evacuations for coastal and flood-prone communities.
- Residents were advised to move to higher ground and use the more than 880 shelters set up across Jamaica.