The Caribbean region is still reeling from the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa, which has left a trail of destruction across Jamaica and Cuba. The storm, which made landfall in Jamaica on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, has been described as one of the strongest hurricanes on record to hit the island nation. With maximum sustained winds of 185 mph (300 km/h), Melissa unleashed fierce winds and torrential rain, causing widespread flooding, damage to homes and infrastructure, and loss of life.
In Jamaica, the southwestern parish of Saint Elizabeth was left “underwater,” with widespread flooding and substantial damage to homes, businesses, and infrastructure. The island’s agricultural sector, already grappling with challenges, took a significant hit. Prime Minister Andrew Holness declared the island a “disaster area,” urging citizens to stay indoors due to ongoing flooding, landslide risks, and hazardous conditions. The Jamaican Red Cross is distributing drinking water and hygiene kits, while the United Nations has allocated $4 million for relief efforts.
After battering Jamaica, Hurricane Melissa made landfall in eastern Cuba, bringing life-threatening storm surges, flash floods, and landslides. Cuban authorities had evacuated nearly 500,000 people from high-risk areas, and President Miguel Diaz-Canel warned of “significant damage” and urged residents to heed evacuation orders. The storm’s impact on Cuba’s infrastructure and economy is still being assessed.
The storm’s ferocity has raised concerns about the impact of climate change on hurricane intensity. Scientists say that warmer sea surface temperatures are injecting more energy into storms, making them stronger and more destructive. The international community is rallying to support relief efforts in Jamaica, Cuba, and other affected countries.
