Hurricane Melissa Leaves Jamaica Devastated as Hurricane Tears Across the Caribbean

Hurricane Melissa, one of the strongest storms ever recorded in the Atlantic, has left Jamaica reeling after slamming into the island as a Category 5 hurricane before moving on toward Cuba. Prime Minister Andrew Holness has declared the entire island a “disaster area,” describing the storm as having “ravaged” the nation. Winds reaching up to 185 mph tore roofs from homes, flooded farmlands, and knocked out power to more than half a million people.

“It is clear that where the eye of the hurricane hit, there would be devastating impact,” Holness told CNN on Tuesday evening, noting that there has been major damage to hospitals, homes, and road networks. He later told Jamaicans on X, “Your homes may have been damaged or destroyed and your communities and towns no longer look the same. I know your pain and I feel your loss. We are mobilising quickly to start the relief and recovery efforts and we will be there with you every step of the way.”

Local officials say almost every parish has been affected. Desmond McKenzie, deputy chairman of Jamaica’s Disaster Risk Management Council, said St Elizabeth—the island’s main agricultural region—was “underwater.” Floodwaters have trapped at least three families in their homes in Black River in western Jamaica and blocked roads. Four hospitals have suffered significant damage, with one losing power and forcing the evacuation of 75 patients.

Before reaching Jamaica, Melissa had already claimed lives in Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Jamaica reported three deaths and several injuries during storm preparations. However, they are expecting this number to rise.

The hurricane weakened slightly as it moved inland, but regained strength over open waters. By Wednesday morning, it hit eastern Cuba as a Category 4 storm, bringing destructive winds and torrential rain. Cuba’s president, Miguel Díaz-Canel, warned citizens not to underestimate “the strongest ever to hit national territory,” assuring that “no one is left behind and no resources are spared to protect the lives of the population.” More than 700,000 Cubans have been evacuated.

Meanwhile, thousands in Jamaica remain displaced, with bridges washed out and many communities still cut off. The government has opened more than 850 shelters, and aid groups are preparing relief efforts as airports aim to reopen soon to allow international help in.

Climate experts say storms like Melissa are intensifying due to warming ocean waters. Holness has previously expressed concerns over climate change, urging the world not to ignore the link between extreme weather and global warming. “Climate change is not a distant threat,” he said at the United Nations General Assembly in September. “It is a daily reality for small island developing states like Jamaica.”