Category 5 Hurricane Melissa Devastates Jamaica, Hits Cuba

Hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica's southwest coast as a historic, slow‑moving Category 5 with sustained winds near 185 mph (295 km/h), life‑threatening storm surge up to about 4 m, torrential rain and prolonged destructive winds. The storm has left at least seven people dead, caused extensive flooding and infrastructure damage, knocked out power for more than 500,000 people, and displaced thousands into shelters. Authorities declared much of the island a disaster zone and ordered large-scale evacuations while emergency responders and aid groups, including the Red Cross, distribute water and supplies as damage assessments continue. Flights and airport operations were disrupted and many resorts and families remain cut off, with reports of chaotic scenes at some tourist hotels. Melissa later made landfall in eastern Cuba as a Category 3, where officials warned of severe flooding and landslides, and diaspora organizations and U.S.-based nonprofits have mobilized relief and fundraising while U.S. officials say they are monitoring the situation and prepared to assist.