Jamaica Faces Catastrophic Aftermath of Hurricane Melissa: A Nation in Crisis

Thu Oct 30 2025 15:26:40 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Hurricane Melissa wreaks unprecedented havoc across Jamaica, leaving widespread destruction, power outages, and a humanitarian crisis in its wake.

Jamaica wakes to devastation after Hurricane Melissa, the strongest storm in its modern history, strikes with sustained winds of 298 km/h. Reports indicate widespread power outages, flooding, and structural damage. Prime Minister Andrew Holness has declared the island a disaster area as local officials scramble to assess the full extent of the damage and ensure the safety of residents.

The normal soundtrack that accompanies Jamaican life is silent this morning as many have woken to no electricity.

About three-quarters of the island is without power and many parts of its western side are under water, with homes destroyed by strong winds after Hurricane Melissa tore across the island with catastrophic force.

As wind and rain lashed through the night, one local official said the destruction resembled 'the scene of an apocalypse movie.'

With communications crippled, the true scale of the disaster remains unknown. Prime Minister Andrew Holness declared the island a 'disaster area' late Tuesday, warning of 'devastating impacts' and 'significant damage' to hospitals, homes and businesses.

Although no deaths have yet been confirmed, Montego Bay's mayor Richard Vernon told the BBC his first task at daybreak would be 'to check if everybody is alive.'

Hurricane Melissa, the strongest storm to strike Jamaica in modern history, barrelled across the country leaving behind a trail of ruin. It sustained winds of 298 km/h (185 mph) - stronger than Hurricane Katrina, which devastated New Orleans in 2005.

Across Jamaica's central parishes, floodwaters rose to the roofs of two-storey homes. An anonymous woman stated: 'There is water coming in through the roof of my house. I am not okay.'

Local government minister Desmond Mckenzie reported that the southwestern parish of St Elizabeth was 'under water', with at least three families trapped in their homes.

In rural Jamaica, the storm left people shaken. Tamisha Lee, president of the Jamaica Network of Rural Women Producers, highlighted the anxiety felt by residents as fear of loss looms.

Montego Bay, home to Jamaica's tourism industry, has also suffered significant impact with one side of the city cut off from the other due to severe flooding. Mayor Vernon reiterated his immediate concern for the safety of residents.

The storm's rapid intensification was fueled by abnormally warm Caribbean waters, which has been linked to climate change.

Hurricane Melissa has moved on to Cuba, but Jamaica remains paralyzed and silent, left to reckon with the devastation and start the long journey to recovery.