Desmond McKenzie, deputy chairman of Jamaica’s Disaster Risk Management Council, said the southwestern parish of St. Elizabeth “is under water” – and has sustained extensive damage.
He also said that severe damage was reported in parts of Clarendon in southern Jamaica. However, McKenzie said there were no “official” reports at this point of deaths.
Floodwaters have trapped at least three families in their homes in the community of Black River in western Jamaica.
Crews were unable to help them because of dangerous weather conditions, McKenzie said.
“Roofs were flying off,” he said. “We are hoping and praying that the situation will ease so that some attempt can be made to get to those persons.”
About 15,000 Jamaicans are now in shelters, according to officials.
Key events
As Hurricane Melissa heads towards Cuba and the Dominican Republic, communities are bracing for strong winds and heavy rains. Here are some images from the islands:
Cuban authorities said they evacuated about 500,000 people from areas vulnerable to winds and flooding, as Melissa moves across the Caribbean.
It is now forecast to curve toward Santiago de Cuba, Cuba’s second-largest city.
“We should already be feeling its main influence this afternoon and evening,” Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel said in a message published in state newspaper Granma. “There will be a lot of work to do. We know that this cyclone will cause significant damage.”
He called on citizens to heed evacuation orders.
Today so far
Table of Contents
- 1. Today so far
- 2. What is the impact of the climate crisis?
- 3. Cuba bracing for Melissa’s next landfall
- 4. Melissa windspeed drops to 145mph, now a category 4 storm
- 5. Post-hurricane disaster relief operations to commence soon
- 6. What specific agricultural losses in St.Elizabeth, Jamaica are anticipated due to Hurricane Melissa?
- 7. hurricane Melissa Unleashes Widespread Destruction in St. Elizabeth, Jamaica; Cuba Preps for Impact
- 8. Jamaica Reels from Hurricane Melissa’s Fury
- 9. Cuba Braces for Impact – Hurricane Warning in Effect
- 10. Hurricane Melissa: Storm Details & Trajectory
- 11. Long-Term Recovery & Aid efforts
- 12. Historical Context: Jamaica & Cuba Hurricane Vulnerability
- 13. staying Informed – Resources & Updates
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Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Jamaica’s on Tuesday as a category 5 hurricane. It is the strongest to lash the island since record-keeping began in 1851. The storm lost some power crossing Jamaica’s mountainous terrain. But remains a highly dangerous category 4 cyclone, according to the National Hurricane Center.
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The hurricane is now making a toward Cuba. It could make a second landfall there as early as midnight, bringing winds of between 140 and 145 mph.
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Cuba’s president warned citizens the storm could be “one of the most severe – or possibly the strongest” ever to hit the island. “We want to emphasise … the magnitude of this event,” said Miguel Díaz-Canel, urging Cubans not to return to their homes from shelters. Windspeeds dropped to 145mph as the storm moved across Jamaica, making it a category 4 storm, but it was still expected to cause widespread infrastructure damage and flooding.
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Aid agencies and disaster relief charities are preparing to deploy. They will start operations across Jamaica and elsewhere in the Caribbean at speed as soon as weather conditions improve enough to safely do so. The Red Cross has said it expects about 1.5 million people to be directly affected by the disaster, set to become the largest in Jamaica’s history.
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A hospital in St Elizabeth, a parish in Jamaica bearing the brunt of Hurricane Melissa’s effects, has suffered extensive damage. Earlier this week health minister Christopher Tufton identified the hospital as one of three coastal institutions that was particularly at risk. He said the hospital’s 75 patients were evacuated to a higher floor before parts of the roof collapsed.
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The extraordinary intensification of Hurricane Melissa is likely to be a symptom of the rapid heating of the world’s oceans. Melissa is the fourth storm in the Atlantic this year to undergo rapid intensification of its wind speed and power. This sort of intensification has been linked to the human-caused climate crisis, which is causing oceans to become hotter.
Follow along for continued coverage.
Desmond McKenzie, deputy chairman of Jamaica’s Disaster Risk Management Council, said the southwestern parish of St. Elizabeth “is under water” – and has sustained extensive damage.
He also said that severe damage was reported in parts of Clarendon in southern Jamaica. However, McKenzie said there were no “official” reports at this point of deaths.
Floodwaters have trapped at least three families in their homes in the community of Black River in western Jamaica.
Crews were unable to help them because of dangerous weather conditions, McKenzie said.
“Roofs were flying off,” he said. “We are hoping and praying that the situation will ease so that some attempt can be made to get to those persons.”
About 15,000 Jamaicans are now in shelters, according to officials.
Here’s a a visual guide to Jamaica’s strongest storm since 1851:
What is the impact of the climate crisis?
Oliver Holmes
The extraordinary intensification of Hurricane Melissa is likely to be a symptom of the rapid heating of the world’s oceans.
Melissa is the fourth storm in the Atlantic this year to undergo rapid intensification of its wind speed and power. This sort of intensification has been linked to the human-caused climate crisis, which is causing oceans to become hotter.
Warming oceans probably fueling Hurricane Melissa’s rapid intensification
Researchers at Climate Central, a nonprofit organisation that analyses climate science, found that during Melissa’s rapid intensification the storm drifted over exceptionally warm ocean waters that were 1.4C hotter than average. These conditions were made up to 700 times more likely because of the climate crisis, the organisation said.
Nina Lakhani
The environmental justice and advocacy group GreenLatinos is speaking out about Hurricane Melissa, particularly about how the climate emergency is, according to experts, fueling stronger and more frequent severe weather events.
Val Schull, the group’s water equity and ocean program director, said in a statement:
Hurricane Melissa is yet another example of how Latin American and Caribbean communities continue to be on the frontlines of the climate crisis. Many in our communities have relatives, friends, or cultural connections to these impacted areas. We need to ensure that these areas receive support before, during, and after climate-induced storms.
The group says it is calling on elected officials worldwide to “craft community-led policies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, build resilience to extreme weather, and center leadership of frontline communities”.
Meisei Gonzalez, climate justice and clean air advocate for GreenLatinos, said:
These storms are not just natural disasters. They are the result of systemic failures from our governments and the prioritization of industry over people. These catastrophic storms are forcing families from their homes and pushing entire communities closer to unlivable conditions. For Black, Latino, and indigenous peoples across the Caribbean and Americas, every hurricane season now brings the threat of displacement, loss, and uncertainty.
Tamisha Lee, president of the Jamaica Network of Rural Women Producers, has been sharing with the Guardian some of her experiences of Hurricane Melissa today. Her group is a partner of the humanitarian organization CARE International:
Right now, what I’m seeing is heavy rain, powerful wind, a lot of things flying all over the place, and trees uprooted. I am also seeing darkness. There is currently no electricity. I am feeling anxious and tense, but I am focused. The fear is real, but our preparation is helping us manage that fear. We have been through this before. The resilience of the membership of the Jamaica Network of Rural Women Producers is truly what anchors me at a time like this.
Recovering from this will not be a sprint, but a marathon. Once the storm has passed, we will have to hit the road running. We anticipate a lot of infrastructure damage on our roads. So, roads will be impassable. It will be a challenge for us to get to our members. And communication will also be a challenge because we’re currently out of electricity. Where I am currently, in Mandeville, we are in darkness.
I am also staying in touch with our membership through our various WhatsApp groups. We’re getting feedback as to what is going on in everyone’s neck of the wood. The most urgent need will be cash because it takes cash to care. And, based on the forecast and what we have been experiencing since Sunday evening, I am anticipating the damage will be enormous. But I am feeling hopeful through our partnership with CARE.
Cuba bracing for Melissa’s next landfall
While most of the attention on Tuesday has been focused on Jamaica, where Hurricane Melissa swept ashore at lunchtime, millions of people in Cuba were also apprehensively awaiting the arrival of the monster storm.
According to the National Hurricane Center (NHC), the island can expect Melissa to make its second landfall either later Tuesday or early Wednesday as a major category 4 storm, packing winds of between 140 and 145 mph, and pushing ahead of it a predicted storm surge approaching 10ft (3 meters).
The Cuban government has issued mandatory evacuation orders for vulnerable areas, and hundreds of thousands of Cubans spent Tuesday boarding up and heading for shelters as the storm closed in.
“Heavy rainfall, flash flooding and landslides are expected soon. Life-threatening storm surge and damaging winds are likely to begin later today. Seek safe shelter,” Jack Beven, a senior expert at the US National Hurricane Center (NHC), warned in a Tuesday after noon advisory.
According to the Navy Times, the US government evacuated 900 non-essential naval personnel from its military base at Guantanamo Bay, on Cuba’s south eastern tip, this week.
After crossing Cuba, Melissa will head for the islands of the south eastern Bahamas, where the NHC says damaging winds, life-threatening storm surge and heavy rainfall are expected through Wednesday.
Although avoiding a direct hit, Haiti and the Dominican Republic will also be badly affected, Beven said: “Catastrophic flash flooding and landslides are expected across southwestern Haiti and southern portions of the Dominican Republic during the next day or so. In Haiti, extensive damage and isolation of communities is likely.”
Melissa windspeed drops to 145mph, now a category 4 storm
Hurricane Melissa’s sustained windspeed has dropped to 145mph (233kph) as its eyewall begins to emerge off the coast of northern Jamaica, according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC) in its just-published 5pm ET advisory.
The storm, which made landfall earlier Tuesday in the south west of the country with maximum sustained winds of 185mph, lost some power crossing Jamaica’s mountainous terrain, but remains a highly dangerous category 4 cyclone, the NHC said.
“Damaging winds will continue over portions of Jamaica this evening. Catastrophic flash flooding, and landslides, are expected across the island tonight with widespread infrastructure damage, power and communication outages, and isolated communities,” Jack Beven, the NHC’s senior hurricane specialist, wrote in the advisory.
Beven said he expected the storm, which has caused heavy flooding, torn apart buildings and blocked countless roads in Jamaica with fallen trees, downed powerlines and other hazards, to continue its weakening trend.
The small amount of water between Jamaica and Cuba, where Melissa will make its second landfall later Tuesday or early Wednesday, will prevent re-intensification, he said. But the storm will still bring “life-threatening storm surge and damaging winds” to the eastern half of Cuba.
Alarming video clips are beginning to appear on social media from residents in Jamaica purporting to show flooding and destruction following the arrival of Hurricane Melissa on Tuesday.
The X account of the Jamaica Gleaner newspaper posted footage of what it said was a roof completely torn from the Savanna La Mar hospital in Westmoreland parish, close to where Melissa’s eyewall made landfall.
Posts by residents of Jamaica were equally dramatic. One reported “intense footage from inside the Black River hospital” It shows downed power lines and heavy rain and items being blown around outside the facility, while medical staff in white coats deal with debris inside.
Another shows flooding coursing down a road said to be in Santa Cruz, St Elizabeth parish, in Jamaica’s mountainous interior.
The Guardian was not able to immediately confirm the authenticity of the videos.
Here’s a taste of what we’re likely to see from the US National Hurricane Center when it releases its latest full advisory and briefing package on Hurricane Melissa in about half an hour from now, at 5pm ET (4pm Jamaica).
An interim advisory issued by the Miami-based center just now couldn’t have been more stark: “Catastrophic winds, flash flooding, and storm surge ongoing in Jamaica,” it said.
“This is an extremely dangerous and life-threating situation.”
If there is any consolation, it looks like the storm, the center of which is currently about 10 miles south of Montego Bay, has weakened further to a category 4 hurricane, with maximum sustained winds dropping to 150mph.
Full details to come shortly.
Post-hurricane disaster relief operations to commence soon
Aid agencies and disaster relief charities are preparing to deploy across Jamaica and elsewhere in the Caribbean at speed as soon as weather conditions improve enough for them to start operations.
The American Red Cross said it was working with the International Federation of Red Cross partners across its networks to coordinate response and recovery efforts, which will include sheltering and feed unknown numbers of people.
The Red Cross has said it expects about 1.5 million people to be directly affected by the disaster, set to become the largest in Jamaica’s history.
World Food Kitchen, the charity founded by celebrity chef and philanthropist Jose Andres, will also be operating in Jamaica, as it did following Hurricane Beryl last year to provide hot meals.
“WCK has already mobilized, pre-deploying teams to assist in recovery efforts,” said Samantha, a team member already in Jamaica, in a statement. “We’re coordinating with local restaurant partners to ensure they can serve meals once the hurricane passes.”
Other well known agencies, including the Salvation Army and Catholic Relief Services, will also be operating in the region and raising funds, along with a significant number of smaller, more localized charities.
As a reminder, here’s the Guardian’s own visual guide to Hurricane Melissa, and the devastation it will bring to Caribbean nations including Jamaica, Cuba and the Bahamas:
Hurricane Melissa tore into Jamaica on Tuesday with a sustained windspeed of 185 mph (295 kph), tying the record for the strongest winds at landfall of any Atlantic basin storm.
Courtesy of the Associated Press, here’s quick look at some of the other record setting cyclones:
Hurricane Allen (1980)
The most powerful Atlantic storm in terms of wind speed, it killed more than 200 people in Haiti before swooping into Texas. Its highest sustained winds reached 190 mph (305 kph) but slowed before it hit land.
Hurricane Dorian (2019)
The most intense hurricane to hit the Bahamas on record, more than 70 people died in the storm that packed 185 mph (295 kph) winds.
Hurricane Wilma (2005)
Wilma intensified rapidly with winds of 185 mph as it slammed into Mexico’s Yucatán peninsula, then carved a wide path of destruction through south Florida.
Hurricane Gilbert (1988)
Similar to Melissa, its first landfall was in Jamaica, before it ripped west through the Caribbean with peak winds of 185 mph and into Mexico, where at least 200 people died.
Labor Day hurricane (1935)
One of the most powerful hurricanes to hit the US. It devastated the Florida Keys and left damage along the Atlantic coast with winds measured at 185 mph.
Hurricane Milton (2024)
Weeks after Hurricane Helene did almost the same, Milton tore up the Gulf Coast of Florida and across the state. Warm water fueled rapid intensification and winds briefly reached 180 mph.
Hurricane Irma (2017)
With winds of 180 mph, Irma caused more than an estimated $700m in damage across Puerto Rico and knocked out power to more than a million.
Hurricane Rita (2005)
Weeks after Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans in 2005, Rita reached 180 mph and ripped through southwestern Louisiana, causing more than $11bn in damage.
Hurricane Mitch (1998)
Mudslides and floods left more than 11,000 dead, mostly in Honduras and Nicaragua. The hurricane hit the coast of Central America with winds at 180 mph.
What specific agricultural losses in St.Elizabeth, Jamaica are anticipated due to Hurricane Melissa?
hurricane Melissa Unleashes Widespread Destruction in St. Elizabeth, Jamaica; Cuba Preps for Impact
Jamaica Reels from Hurricane Melissa’s Fury
St. Elizabeth, Jamaica, is currently grappling with the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, a powerful Category 3 storm that made landfall late yesterday. Initial reports indicate widespread devastation,including significant infrastructure damage,power outages,and flooding. The Jamaican government has declared a state of emergency for the parish and surrounding areas.
* St. Elizabeth Damage Assessment: Preliminary assessments reveal extensive damage to agricultural lands, notably impacting the region’s banana and coffee crops. Coastal communities experienced severe storm surge, leading to property loss and displacement.
* Power & Communication Disruptions: Jamaica Public Service (JPS) reports over 80% of customers in St. Elizabeth are without power. Communication networks are also severely impacted,hindering rescue and relief efforts. Cellular service is intermittent, and landlines are largely down.
* Flooding & Landslides: Heavy rainfall associated with Hurricane Melissa triggered widespread flooding and numerous landslides, blocking key roadways and isolating several communities.The Black River area experienced particularly severe flooding.
* Evacuation Efforts: Prior to landfall, authorities ordered mandatory evacuations for residents in low-lying coastal areas. Shelters across the parish are currently housing thousands of displaced individuals.
Cuba Braces for Impact – Hurricane Warning in Effect
As Hurricane Melissa moves northwest, Cuba is now in its path. A hurricane warning is in effect for the provinces of Guantánamo, Santiago de Cuba, and Holguín. Cuban authorities are taking proactive measures to prepare for the storm’s arrival.
* Evacuation Orders: Cuban Civil Defense has initiated mass evacuations in vulnerable coastal areas. Priority is being given to residents in low-lying regions and those living in structurally unsound buildings.
* Resource mobilization: The Cuban government is mobilizing resources, including food, water, medical supplies, and emergency personnel, to affected areas. Military personnel are assisting with evacuation efforts and preparing shelters.
* Infrastructure Protection: Efforts are underway to secure critical infrastructure, including power plants, hospitals, and communication networks. Power lines are being reinforced,and trees are being trimmed to minimize damage from high winds.
* Agricultural safeguards: Farmers are working to harvest crops and secure livestock ahead of the storm’s arrival. The Cuban agricultural sector is bracing for potential significant losses.
Hurricane Melissa: Storm Details & Trajectory
Hurricane Melissa is currently packing maximum sustained winds of 125 mph (205 km/h) with higher gusts. The storm is moving northwest at 10 mph (17 km/h).
* Current Location (as of 2025-10-29 00:00 UTC): Approximately 60 miles (95 km) east of Guantánamo,Cuba.
* Projected Path: the National Hurricane Center (NHC) forecasts Melissa will continue on a northwest trajectory, potentially making a second landfall in eastern Cuba later today.the storm is expected to gradually weaken as it moves over land, but it will still pose a significant threat.
* key Concerns: Storm surge, heavy rainfall, damaging winds, and the potential for flash flooding and landslides remain the primary concerns.
Long-Term Recovery & Aid efforts
The long-term recovery process for St. Elizabeth, Jamaica, is expected to be extensive and costly. International aid organizations are mobilizing to provide assistance.
* Immediate Needs: Clean water, food, shelter, medical supplies, and communication equipment are the most pressing needs.
* Infrastructure Repair: Restoring power, repairing roads, and rebuilding damaged homes and businesses will be a major undertaking.
* Agricultural Rehabilitation: Supporting farmers and rebuilding the agricultural sector will be crucial for the region’s economic recovery.
* Mental health Support: Providing mental health services to those affected by the hurricane will be essential.
Historical Context: Jamaica & Cuba Hurricane Vulnerability
Both Jamaica and Cuba are highly vulnerable to hurricanes due to their geographic location in the Caribbean Sea.
* Jamaica’s Hurricane History: Jamaica has experienced numerous devastating hurricanes throughout its history, including Hurricane Gilbert in 1988, which caused widespread destruction.
* cuba’s Hurricane Preparedness: Cuba has a well-developed hurricane preparedness system, including a robust Civil Defense network and a strong emphasis on evacuation and shelter management.However, the country’s aging infrastructure remains a vulnerability.
* Climate Change & Hurricane intensity: Scientists believe that climate change is contributing to the increasing intensity of hurricanes, posing a growing threat to Caribbean nations. Warmer ocean temperatures provide more energy for storms to develop and intensify.
staying Informed – Resources & Updates
* National Hurricane Center (NHC): https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/
* Jamaican Meteorological Service: [https://www.metservice.gov.jm/](https://www
