Category 5 Hurricane Melissa Devastates Jamaica, Threatens Region

Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Jamaica as a catastrophic Category 5 storm—the strongest to strike the island in about 174 years—with sustained winds up to 185 mph and very low central pressure, ripping roofs off, toppling trees, triggering landslides and causing widespread flooding. Officials reported at least seven deaths across the Caribbean, hundreds of thousands without power, roads and buildings washed away, and families trapped by floodwaters while evacuations, shelters and rescue efforts were hampered by dangerous conditions and intermittent communications. The storm intensified unusually rapidly over abnormally warm Caribbean waters and moved slowly, a combination scientists say is becoming more common with a warming climate and likely amplified Melissa’s wind, surge and rainfall. Jamaica’s government and international observers warned of potential long-term coastal reshaping and have called for global assistance as authorities and aid organizations assess damage. Melissa is now forecast to continue toward Cuba, the Bahamas and Haiti, prompting further evacuations and preparedness measures across the region.