Former Miss Jamaica UK says her family in Jamaica remain “calm and optimistic” as the eye of Hurricane Melissa edges closer to the island, bringing the threat of catastrophic flooding and destruction.
Cherelle Mukoko, who made history in 2013 as the first black woman to be crowned Miss Universe London while also winning the title of Miss Jamaica UK, shared her concerns for her family home, where her uncle currently lives.
It comes as the world’s strongest storm of the year closes in on Jamaica, with meteorologists warning it could unleash “catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding” across the island.
“It’s definitely worrying to hear it described as the storm of the century, and it does make me think deeply about the scale of what’s coming and the potential impact on the island,” mother-of-two Cherelle said.
Hurricane Melissa, now a powerful Category 5 storm, is bearing down on Jamaica and could become one of the most devastating storms in the nation’s history, fuelled by unusually warm Caribbean waters and a lack of wind shear.
The US-based National Hurricane Center has forecast between 15 and 30 inches of rainfall, winds of up to 130mph, and storm surges reaching 13 feet above ground level.
"This is an extremely dangerous and life-threatening situation," the NHC said, as it cautions people on the island to "take cover now".
Despite her fears, Cherelle said she remains “hopeful and optimistic”, noting that her uncle, who lives on the island’s central plateau, has weathered hurricanes, torrential rains, and several other challenges over the years — and has always shown remarkable resilience.
“Our family home holds a very special place in my heart. It was built with love from the ground up, it’s never belonged to anyone but our family, so every wall, every corner carries our history,” Cherelle told The Standard.
“We grow food on the surrounding land, and it’s always been a place of comfort and togetherness.
“Although my grandparents have now passed, my uncle, who lovingly cared for them for many years, continues to look after the home. We speak to him daily, especially now with Hurricane Melissa approaching, to make sure he’s safe and prepared.
“My uncle is calm and optimistic. He’s been through several major weather events in the past and understands how to prepare and stay safe.
“I think those of us here in the UK are probably more anxious than he is! He’s taken all the precautions possible to secure the house, but his spirit remains positive and grounded, as is often the Jamaican way.”
Cherelle, who lives in London, said Jamaica remains a core part of her identity, recalling a childhood spent travelling back and forth to the island, especially during the holidays.
She said her uncle plans to stay in the family home to ride out the storm, having boarded up windows and sealed them against strong winds and possible flooding.
He has also stocked up on essential supplies and brought inside anything that could be damaged or swept away.
“The home itself was built to withstand rough conditions, so we’re hopeful it will continue to stand strong,” Cherelle said.
Cherelle added: “Jamaicans are some of the most resilient and courageous people I know. Our nation has weathered many storms, both literal and figurative, and every time we rise again, stronger than before.
“Our home has stood through hurricanes, heavy rains, and countless challenges, and it’s still standing strong.
“It was built from love, and I truly believe that love, along with my uncle’s careful preparation, will see it through this storm as well.”
The eye of the hurricane is still some distance away, but is expected to hit in the coming hours — at around midday local time (17.00 GMT).
Widespread power cuts are already impacting the island, with more than 200,000 without electricity. Most of the hospitals still have supply, but some do not.
Emergency relief flights are expected to begin as early as Thursday.
An FCDO spokesperson said: “We are closely tracking Hurricane Melissa and have updated our travel advice for countries and territories across the region.
“In Jamaica, we are urging British nationals there to follow the guidance of the local authorities – especially in the event of any evacuation orders. Airports are currently closed and British tourists on package holidays should contact their travel provider for advice. Anyone worried about adequate shelter can find their nearest shelter through the Jamaican government’s list of available hurricane shelters, which we have put on our travel advice.
“We stand ready to support our partners and British nationals in the region. British nationals requiring urgent consular assistance can contact the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office 24/7 on +44 (0)20 7008 5000.”
