Baghdad: Tropical Storm Melissa has unleashed heavy rains across Haiti, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic, prompting meteorologists to issue warnings of severe flooding in the northern Caribbean. Authorities have urged residents in areas prone to flooding to relocate to higher ground to ensure their safety.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader announced the closure of schools in nine provinces for Wednesday and Thursday. He also mandated the shutdown of non-essential government offices and private businesses in response to the storm.

In the south of the Dominican Republic, dozens of people have already sought refuge in shelters, and approximately 500 rescue volunteers have been deployed to assist those affected by the storm. Additionally, several water supply networks have been reported out of service, impacting over half a million customers.

Haitians have expressed concerns about the potential for heavy flooding, a significant threat due to the country's history of soil erosion and the destruction caused by previous storms.

In Jamaica, Minister of Water and Environment Matthew Samuda announced that 881 shelters would be available if needed, and schools are set to transition to remote learning on Thursday as a precautionary measure.