Ivan heads for direct hit on Jamaica

KINGSTON, Jamaica: Hurricane Ivan’s deadly winds and monstrous waves bore down on Jamaica yesterday, threatening a direct hit on its densely populated capital and prompting the government to order a half million people to flee coastal areas where roads are already flooded. In its wake, it left Grenada a wasteland of flattened houses, twisted metal and splintered wood. The death toll rose yesterday to 32 and was expected to increase. Police nearly doubled the toll in Grenada to 22, including two unidentified foreign yachters. Ivan, a Category 4 hurricane — out of a top scale of 5 — packed winds of 230 kph (145 mph) and could strengthen before striking the 230-kilometre-long (145-miles) island Friday night or early today, meteorologists said. They warned of “life-threatening” flash floods and mudslides.

It was forecast to make a direct hit on Kingston, the sprawling capital of 1 million people in the southeast, and smash across the island to exit around Montego Bay in the northwest. The British Royal Navy frigate HMS Richmond, which rushed to Grenada’s rescue Wednesday, was speeding to Jamaica along with a supply ship, Commander Mike MacCartain told the BBC. Jamaican meteorologists, meanwhile, denied reports that they were striking over pay. Yesterday morning the storm’s leading edge was kicking up heavy rain and winds off Jamaica’s eastern tip and as far away as Montego Bay, forcing authorities to close the airport and strand hundreds of tourists. Armed private guards began patrolling against looters in Montego Bay, a resort town of 35,000 where disaster agency official Faye Headley said 3,800 people had been evacuated from low-lying areas. “Many people have decided not to leave because they are afraid their property will be stolen,” Headley said.