Kingston, Jamaica - As Hurricane Melissa, one of the strongest Atlantic hurricanes on record, ravaged Jamaica on Tuesday, the decentralized messaging app Bitchat surged in popularity, climbing to the No. 2 spot on the island's app charts. The Category 5 storm, packing maximum sustained winds of 185 mph, made landfall in southwestern Jamaica, causing widespread destruction and leaving hundreds of thousands without power.
Bitchat, a Bluetooth-based mesh networking app, allows users to communicate without relying on traditional internet infrastructure or cellular networks. This feature proved invaluable as Hurricane Melissa knocked out power and communication lines across the island. The app's surge in downloads suggests that Jamaicans turned to Bitchat to stay connected with family and friends, share information, and coordinate assistance during the storm.
"There is no infrastructure in the region that can withstand a Category 5," Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness stated, highlighting the importance of alternative communication methods during such crises. The World Meteorological Organization called Melissa the "storm of the century" for Jamaica, anticipating catastrophic damage.
The hurricane brought heavy floodwaters and catastrophic winds that tore roofs off buildings. Minister of Local Government Desmond McKenzie reported that over 530,000 Jamaicans were without power as of Tuesday evening. A section of the roof of Black River Hospital in southwestern Jamaica was damaged, leading to the evacuation of 75 patients.
As the storm approached, authorities cautioned that damage assessment would be slow due to communication blackouts in several areas. Dana Morris Dixon, Jamaica's education minister, reported that 77% of the island was without power. More than 25,000 people sought refuge in shelters.
Bitchat's rise to the No. 2 spot on Jamaica's app charts underscores the critical role that decentralized communication technologies can play in disaster response. In situations where traditional infrastructure fails, these apps can provide a lifeline for communities to stay connected and informed.
While Bitchat users have praised the app's innovative approach to messaging, some have noted issues with notifications and potential for spam. Despite these concerns, the app's popularity in Jamaica during Hurricane Melissa highlights its potential to serve as a vital communication tool during emergencies.
After crossing Jamaica, Hurricane Melissa weakened slightly to a Category 3 storm as it approached eastern Cuba. The storm is expected to continue impacting the Bahamas and Bermuda.
