Nearly 6,000 in shelters amid Hurricane Melissa

The number of persons in shelters has climbed to almost 6,000, according to Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie, as Hurricane Melissa lashes Jamaica's south coast.

He said the authorities are receiving calls from persons in St Elizabeth requiring transportation to shelters.

The Government expects more than 50,000 persons to be displaced due to the impact of the powerful category 5 system.

"This is not the time to be brave. ...Don't bet against Melissa, it is a bet we can't win," he said, as the storm nears landfall on Tuesday morning.

At a news conference on Tuesday, McKenzie reported road blockages and land slippages across the country.

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