Hurricane Melissa hits Jamaica

There was a very big hurricane in Jamaica on October 25th. This hurricane was the strongest, a Category 5. The last Atlantic hurricane like this was in 1935.

Scientists were worried. Dr Michael Brennan was ready for high levels of damage.

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

People prepared for the hurricane. But some houses weren't strong enough.

"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."

Government help came before the hurricane. People got clean water and hygiene kits for afterwards. Esther Pinnock works for the Red Cross.

"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 scientists were right. There were 295kph winds. Trees fell down and people lost their homes. Help couldn't get to many areas. One area was Blue Falls. Houston Moncure is from there.

"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".

In Jamaica, Melissa killed 28 people. This number may go up. The hurricane didn't just hit Jamaica. Melissa moved on to other Caribbean islands. It went to Cuba and Haiti next. There were 43 deaths in Haiti. Many people are still missing. View Less