Warning as crocodiles fleeing path of Hurricane Melissa enter towns

Hurricane Melissa, one of the most destructive storms in recent history, has begun to crush Jamaica with violent winds and heavy rains.

But now health officials are warning that the Category 5 storm may also push crocodiles out of rivers and swamps.

The rising water levels may lead to the crocodiles moving into residential areas in search of dry ground.

The warning was issued today to the thousands of people living in Kingston, St Andrew, St Catherine and St Thomas.

People have been urged not to wade or play in flooded areas and to keep children and pets away from bodies of water.

Crocs seen should not be caught or harmed and just left alone, the South East Regional Health Authority said, according to the Jamaica Observer.

‘Residents living near these areas are therefore advised to remain vigilant and avoid floodwaters,’ it added.

Gardens and drains should be cleared of debris, if possible, to prevent the buildup of stagnant water.

Jamaica is known for its deep, mountainous lands crinkled by narrow river valleys and brackish swamps – the kind crocs love to call home.

There is only one species in Jamaica, the American Crocodile, that can be found along the southern coast, from St Thomas to Westmoreland.

Male American crocs can grow as large as 25 feet, able to swim through Jamaica’s swamps at 60 miles per hour.

Birds, fish and snakes tend to be on the menu for American Crocodiles, though they do occasionally eat rubbish dumped along rivers and beaches, according to environmental officials.

Four people have been killed by crocodiles in Jamaica since 1847. Most injuries caused by the reptiles are to people fishing in their habitats.

Between hunting and the paving over of wetlands, crocodiles are a protected species in the country, making it illegal to hunt or kill them.

Hurricane Melissa is scraping a slow, wet path across western Jamaica after first slamming into the country near New Hope earlier today.

The storm had already reached wind speeds of 185mph when it arrived, with speeds of 200mph expected stretching as wide as 30 miles.

Forecasters say as much as 750mm of rain will fall today and tomorrow, with the entire island under a red hurricane warning.

Flash flooding and landslides have been widely reported, blocking roads to rural, more vulnerable communities.

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