Hurricane Melissa Devastates Jamaica: 7 Dead as Category 5 Storm Wreaks Havoc

Jamaica is reeling under the devastating impact of Category 5 Hurricane Melissa, one of the most powerful storms ever recorded in the Atlantic. The cyclone made landfall late Tuesday night in southwestern Jamaica, unleashing record-breaking winds of up to 185 mph (295 km/h), catastrophic rainfall, and flash floods that have left large parts of the island in ruins.

Officials have confirmed at least seven fatalities across the Caribbean, with hundreds injured and thousands displaced as torrential rains triggered deadly landslides and submerged several coastal towns. Authorities fear the death toll may rise as communication lines remain cut off in several remote areas.

Mass Power Outage and National Emergency Declared

Jamaica’s Energy Minister reported that nearly one-third of the island is without electricity, describing the situation as a “national emergency.” The government has opened over 800 shelters nationwide to accommodate evacuees, while emergency response teams struggle to reach severely affected regions.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness urged citizens to remain indoors and comply with evacuation orders, warning that “the coming hours could be the most dangerous Jamaica has ever faced.”

The U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) has labeled Hurricane Melissa as one of the strongest Atlantic hurricanes in history, noting its rapid intensification over warm Caribbean waters. Meteorologists said the storm’s sustained wind speeds and sheer size make it comparable to Hurricane Dorian (2019) and Hurricane Allen (1980), both of which left lasting scars on the region.

Infrastructure Collapses and Communication Breakdown

The capital city, Kingston, and nearby parishes have reported severe flooding, widespread power outages, and structural collapses. Roads have been washed away, and major hospitals are operating on backup generators. The Norman Manley International Airport remains closed, with dozens of flights canceled.

Emergency services described scenes of chaos as vehicles were swept away by floodwaters, while uprooted trees and debris blocked rescue efforts. Authorities have deployed Jamaica Defence Force personnel to conduct search-and-rescue missions in the hardest-hit communities.

Regional Impact and Next Path of the Storm

After pummeling Jamaica, Hurricane Melissa is projected to move northwest toward Cuba and the Cayman Islands, posing a continuing threat to the region. The NHC has issued hurricane warnings for the entire western Caribbean, urging coastal residents to take immediate precautions.

Experts say the hurricane could cause billions of dollars in damages to Jamaica’s infrastructure, agriculture, and tourism — sectors already struggling from previous natural disasters. International aid agencies, including the Red Cross and the UN Disaster Relief Office, have begun coordinating humanitarian assistance.

As the nation braces for aftershocks of the catastrophe, Jamaica’s government has called for global solidarity and support in what many are calling the worst natural disaster in its modern history.