Hurricane Melissa hits Jamaica

Hurricane Melissa, a violent cyclone swept through Jamaica on 25th October, devastating whole communities. Not only is this category 5 hurricane the strongest tropical cyclone worldwide in 2025, it's also the most intense Atlantic hurricane to make landfall since 1935.

The development of the storm had been followed for several days and its predicted trajectory monitored by meteorologists.

"We could see complete tree falls in the mountainous areas, and just complete and total destruction of some structures in those regions".

Inhabitants of the affected areas prepared as best they could, but those in unsecured structures remained at risk.

"I'm really worried about the people because in here I think I'm safe. I'm worried about those who don't have the facility to stay."

With the anticipated consequences of such a massive storm including loss of transport, power and even water supplies, authorities distributed survival kits in advance. Red Cross Communications Officer Esther Pinnock explained more.

"So we have, we have been disseminating drinking water, cleaning kits, hygiene kits, things that we know that persons are likely to need right after the storm."

The destruction caused by the hurricane had not been underestimated. Some communities were virtually flattened by the winds of up to 295kph, bringing with them severe flooding. With roads totally blocked, outside help struggled to reach many areas. Houston Moncure's a resident of Blue Falls.

"This is catastrophic. Now today, we're just trying to care for the people who are here, take care of ourselves and take care of each other".

28 deaths have so far been confirmed in Jamaica, with the final death toll likely to be higher. Although Melissa reduced in intensity as it cleared Jamaica, it's also left a trail of destruction across the Caribbean. This included Cuba and Haiti. The poorly resourced country reported 43 deaths and others are as yet unaccounted for. View Less