KINGSTON, Jamaica, Oct 29, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - Jamaican health authorities on Tuesday urged residents across the island to be vigilant for crocodiles displaced by Hurricane Melissa.

"Rising water levels in rivers, gullies, and swamps could cause crocodiles to move into residential areas," posted the South East Regional Health Authority (SERHA) in a public service announcement on Instagram.

"Residents living near these areas are therefore advised to remain vigilant and avoid flood-waters."

SERHA -- which serves residents across Kingston, St. Andrew, St. Catherine and St. Thomas -- warned families to keep children and pets away from flooded areas.

Ferocious winds and torrential rain tore into the Caribbean nation Tuesday as the deadly Hurricane Melissa made landfall, the worst storm ever to strike the island nation and one of the most powerful hurricanes on record.

The extremely violent system was crawling across the Caribbean, promising catastrophic floods and life-threatening conditions.