Category 5 Hurricane Melissa Hits Jamaica Causing Catastrophic Flooding and Deadly Landslides

Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm with sustained winds of around 175 mph and rainfall up to 40 inches, is poised to make landfall in Jamaica as the strongest hurricane the island has ever faced. The storm is moving slowly, prolonging its destructive effects, which include catastrophic winds, flash flooding, landslides, and storm surges reaching 9 to 13 feet above normal sea levels. Jamaican authorities have declared a national emergency, ordered evacuations, and set up shelters, while airports are shut and thousands of tourists are trapped in hotels and resorts with canceled flights and disrupted cruise itineraries. The hurricane has already caused fatalities in Jamaica and neighboring countries, with at least three deaths reported on the island due to preparation-related accidents. Emergency crews are responding to fallen trees, landslides, and power outages affecting tens of thousands, and officials warn residents to exercise extreme caution during the storm. The situation remains critical as Jamaica braces for widespread structural damage and life-threatening conditions.