KINGSTON, JAMAICA—Category 5 Hurricane Melissa, the strongest storm ever recorded to hit Jamaica, has unleashed catastrophic destruction, leaving much of the island reeling from widespread flooding and severe wind damage. The cyclone made landfall with devastating force, bringing sustained winds up to 185 mph (295 kph), generating storm surges up to 4 meters, and producing rainfall that could exceed 70 cm in some areas, leading to devastating landslides and major infrastructure failures .
Island Devastation and Growing Toll
Initial reports paint a dire picture across the island, with entire regions, including St. Elizabeth Parish, reported to be "underwater" . Power is out across much of Jamaica, and widespread communication disruptions are severely hindering efforts to conduct a full damage assessment. Initial reports confirm serious damage to essential infrastructure, including roads, hospitals, homes, and schools ].
Tragically, officials have confirmed at least three deaths in Jamaica, contributing to a total of seven reported casualties across the Caribbean due to the storm and related incidents [8, 4]. International organizations estimate that up to 1.5 million Jamaicans may have been directly impacted by the unprecedented disaster .
Disaster Declared as Risks Persist
In response to the unprecedented devastation, Prime Minister Andrew Holness has declared Jamaica a disaster area and warned residents to stay sheltered as risks of ongoing flooding and landslides remain severe . The government had previously implemented mandatory evacuations for at-risk areas, with more than 800 shelters activated to house evacuees .
The cyclone, now downgraded to a Category 4 storm, has begun tracking away from Jamaica and is heading towards Cuba, where it is expected to bring additional flooding and wind damage before moving on to the Bahamas . For Jamaica, the immediate focus remains on rescue and recovery, as the country faces continued risks from rains, landslides, and the isolation of communities as the full extent of the destruction emerges .
Authorities are urging residents to remain safely in their shelters and to not venture outside until official all-clear messages are given . This is an evolving situation, with new updates expected as officials and aid organizations begin to assess the full impact and continue rescue and recovery efforts
29 October
