Jamaica Devastated by Hurricane Melissa
Storm of the century devastates Jamaica’s infrastructures, homes.
Hurricane Melissa barreled across Jamaica yesterday, leaving behind a path of devastation.
Hurricane Melissa, the strongest storm ever to hit Jamaica, made landfall on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, bringing catastrophic winds and flooding that left widespread damage to homes, hospitals, and infrastructure.
Hurricane Melissa damage in Jamaica
The Category 5 hurricane struck near the southwestern town of New Hope with sustained winds of up to 185 mph, according to the US National Hurricane Center. The storm battered much of the island, uprooting trees, tearing off roofs, and knocking out power for more than 500,000 residents.
“Jamaica’s gone through what I can call one of its worst period. Our infrastructure has been severely compromised,” said Minister of Local Government Desmond McKenzie, noting that the agricultural parish of St. Elizabeth was among the hardest hit.
Hurricane Melissa is the strongest storm ever to hit Jamaica.
McKenzie said 77% of electricity customers had lost power, and repair crews were prioritizing hospitals, water systems, and other critical facilities. Several hospitals suffered flood and wind damage, including Falmouth, Cornwall Regional, and Black River hospitals, forcing the evacuation of dozens of patients.
Police officers in St. Elizabeth were seen assisting residents amid rising floodwaters. “The Black River Police Station has become a refuge for residents whose houses have been flooded,” the Jamaica Constabulary Force said in a statement.
After leaving a corridor of destruction in Jamaica the hurricane made landfall in Cuba as a dangerous Category 3 storm. Cuban state media reported mass evacuations and military rescues from floods.
