Hurricane Melissa hits Jamaica

Hurricane Melissa, the extratropical Category 5 cyclone that ravaged Jamaica on 25 October, has left widespread devastation in its wake. As well as being the most powerful cyclone of 2025, it's also the most intense hurricane to have made landfall since 1935.

The colossal storm had been tracked in the days leading up to its catastrophic arrival, with experts plotting its anticipated path.

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

Despite residents taking measures to brace for the impact, inhabitants whose housing was less secure were vulnerable to Melissa's full force.

"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."

In anticipation of the aftermath, with transport, electricity and water supplies likely to be affected, officials set about providing essential survival kits prior to the hurricane's arrival as Red Cross Communications Officer Esther Pinnock details.

"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."

Estimates of the ferocity of the storm had been accurate, with some communities all but levelled by the 295kph gusts, which left them under a tide of floodwater. Rescue efforts were further hampered as roads were impassable due to storm debris. Blue Falls inhabitant Houston Moncure surveyed the scene.

"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".

The number of confirmed fatalities in Jamaica stands at 28, although further victims may add to the total. Leaving Jamaica, hurricane Melissa weakened but continued to wreak havoc across the Caribbean. Cuba and the impoverished nation of Haiti were both affected. 43 people have been reported killed by Melissa in Haiti, while many others are yet to be accounted for. View Less