Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm, made landfall in Jamaica on October 28, 2025, leaving the island in a state of devastation. The storm, with maximum sustained winds of 185 mph, is now tied for the second-strongest hurricane in Atlantic history, bringing with it life-threatening storm surges, torrential rain, and extreme winds.
What Happened
The storm first reached the island at approximately 4 a.m. on October 28. As Melissa approached, weather experts warned of catastrophic flash flooding, a potential four-meter storm surge, and winds strong enough to cause total structural failure, particularly in higher elevations. By mid-morning, widespread flooding, fallen trees, and power outages had already been reported. Approximately 240,000 residents were left without power, and key infrastructure, including bridges and major roads, was flooded, cutting off access to remote communities.
In addition to the devastation in Jamaica, neighboring Haiti and the Dominican Republic were also severely impacted, with fatalities reported in both countries. By Tuesday evening, Jamaica had seen at least three fatalities, and several more people were missing in the aftermath.
The Power of Hurricane Melissa
Hurricane Melissa’s intensity makes it one of the most powerful storms to ever strike the Caribbean. The United States National Hurricane Center confirmed that Melissa’s central pressure was recorded at 892mb, lower than that of Hurricane Katrina, which devastated Louisiana in 2005. Experts have attributed the hurricane’s rapid intensification to a combination of favorable sea surface temperatures and atmospheric conditions in the region.
As the storm continues to wreak havoc, there are fears it will cause extensive infrastructural damage, leaving communities isolated and vulnerable. Prime Minister Andrew Holness urged citizens to remain in shelters and warned of prolonged power and communication outages.
Response and Relief Efforts
The UK Foreign Office has activated a crisis center in response to the storm’s impact on British nationals in Jamaica, with around 5,000 people reported to be on the island. The Royal Navy’s HMS Trent is on standby, ready to assist if necessary. The Foreign Secretary, Yvette Cooper, expressed the UK’s commitment to providing support and resources as needed.
Locally, Jamaican authorities have set up 850 shelters to accommodate over 20,000 people. Health facilities on the coast have moved patients from ground floors to higher levels in anticipation of a storm surge. Authorities have closed airports across the country, and a state of emergency is in place in many areas.
What Happens Next
As Hurricane Melissa turns its attention to Cuba, where it is expected to make landfall on the eastern part of the island, officials are bracing for further destruction. More than 600,000 people are being evacuated, including from the city of Santiago, Cuba’s second-largest city. Meanwhile, the Bahamas and Turks and Caicos Islands are under hurricane and tropical storm warnings as the storm continues its northeastward path.
The situation remains dire, and authorities are continuing their rescue and recovery operations while urging the public to adhere to safety guidelines.
This tragic storm has reminded us of the devastating power of nature and the importance of preparedness in the face of such extreme weather events. As the island of Jamaica and the wider Caribbean region begin their recovery, the global community continues to send their support and assistance.
Stay tuned for further updates on the ongoing effects of Hurricane Melissa.
