Hurricane Melissa has left Jamaica in ruins after unleashing fierce winds, torrential rain, and widespread flooding across the island. The Category 4 storm, which hit Jamaica late Sunday night, destroyed homes, uprooted trees, and cut power to thousands of residents. Officials described the damage as “extensive,” with emergency teams racing to reach isolated communities.
Melissa’s destructive path has turned once-bustling towns into flooded zones. Roads remain blocked by debris, while communication networks are still down in several parishes. Rescue operations are underway, and shelters are overcrowded as more families seek safety. The storm’s intensity has made it one of the most powerful hurricanes Jamaica has faced in recent years.
According to reports, Melissa is now moving toward Cuba with sustained winds of over 130 mph. Cuban authorities have already issued evacuation alerts for low-lying coastal areas and advised residents to prepare for heavy rainfall and possible landslides. The government has also suspended flights and closed schools as part of its emergency response.
Earlier, the storm gained strength as it crossed the Caribbean Sea. Meteorologists had warned that Hurricane Melissa would intensify before making landfall. As noted in recent updates, Hurricane Melissa strengthened as it headed for Jamaica, raising fears of large-scale destruction, fears that have now become reality.
The Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency is coordinating relief efforts with local governments. Teams are distributing food, clean water, and medical supplies, though access to remote areas remains difficult due to landslides and collapsed bridges.
As Hurricane Melissa moves closer to Cuba, forecasters warn it could bring severe coastal flooding and further property damage. The storm’s unpredictable movement has left many across the region anxious, with the Dominican Republic and the Bahamas also monitoring its possible shift northward.
Residents across the Caribbean are urged to stay alert as Hurricane Melissa continues its relentless journey. The full extent of Jamaica’s devastation will likely take days to assess, but the human and economic toll is already staggering.
