Hurricane Melissa, a record-breaking Category 5 storm, has unleashed catastrophic devastation across the Caribbean, leaving a trail of destruction from Jamaica to Cuba and beyond, as it barrels towards the Bahamas and Bermuda. With initial wind speeds reaching 185 mph and a central pressure of 892 millibars, Melissa tied records for the strongest Atlantic storm on landfall, causing widespread chaos and prompting urgent international aid efforts.

Jamaica bore the initial and most severe brunt of Hurricane Melissa, being declared a "disaster area" by Prime Minister Andrew Holness. The storm pummeled the island on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, stranding an estimated 25,000 tourists and leaving nearly 77 percent of the country without power due to damaged telecommunications infrastructure. Towns like Santa Cruz, Black River, and Montego Bay were rendered "unrecognizable" by the extensive flooding, landslides, and fierce winds. Residents reported roads that "are no longer roads," with countless houses, motor vehicles, animals, and businesses destroyed, and roofs blown off. Montego Bay was notably "split in two" by floodwaters, and Sangster International Airport suffered a collapsed roof, leading to its temporary closure.

The human toll from Melissa has been tragic. While Prime Minister Holness initially stated no confirmed deaths in Jamaica, later reports from officials confirmed four fatalities on the island, including an infant killed by a falling tree. The overall death toll from Hurricane Melissa reached at least 32 across the affected regions, with 25 deaths in Haiti due to an overflowing La Digue river in Petit-Goâve, one in the Dominican Republic where an adult was swept into a sewer, and four in Jamaica.

In the aftermath, Jamaica's healthcare system was severely impacted, with Black River Hospital, Noel Holmes Hospital, and Falmouth Hospital unable to accept new patients, and all health centers closed. The Health Ministry issued an urgent appeal for blood donations as supplies ran low. Despite the devastation, acts of resilience emerged, including the safe delivery of three babies during the emergency, affectionately dubbed "Melissa babies" by local officials.

Beyond Jamaica, Hurricane Melissa inflicted "incalculable" damage on Cuba, particularly in the eastern regions. Authorities evacuated over 735,000 people, and the storm caused major flooding, overflowing rivers, and landslides. Approximately 140,000 Cubans were left without power, and communities were cut off. The US Naval Station in Guantanamo Bay also issued a boil water advisory due to a water main break. Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel acknowledged the "considerable damage" and urged citizens to remain vigilant.

As Melissa moved northeast, downgrading to a Category 2 storm, it was projected to impact the Bahamas and Bermuda. The National Hurricane Center warned of damaging winds, flooding rains, and a dangerous storm surge of 4 to 7 feet in the Bahamas, with 5 to 10 inches of rainfall expected. Nearly 1,500 residents in the Bahamas were evacuated ahead of the storm. Bermuda issued a Hurricane Warning, preparing for damaging winds and floods as Melissa was forecast to pass near or west of the island as a Category 1 hurricane. The Turks and Caicos Islands also faced tropical storm conditions, flight cancellations, and potential storm surges.

International support swiftly mobilized to assist the beleaguered Caribbean nations. The United States, through President Donald Trump's directive, deployed rescue teams and activated Urban Search and Rescue teams via the US State Department. Secretary of State Marco Rubio extended prayers and confirmed close contact with affected governments. Pope Leo offered prayers and encouraged civil authorities and volunteer organizations. The United Kingdom pledged £2.5 million in emergency humanitarian funding, pre-positioned naval vessel HMS Trent, and dispatched specialist rapid deployment teams and experts to provide aid, including shelter kits, water filters, and blankets. Philanthropic efforts also emerged, with the Miami Heat and partners donating $1 million, and Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank contributing $2.5 million to relief efforts.

Amidst the widespread destruction, Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness surveyed the damage in St. Elizabeth, promising a "strong recovery" despite the immense challenges. King Charles expressed his deep concern and sadness, noting Jamaica's "enduring spirit." The Jamaica Constabulary Force issued warnings about hurricane relief scammers, urging caution in donations. The path to recovery is anticipated to be long, with ongoing threats from flash flooding and landslides, highlighting the enduring impact of Hurricane Melissa on the Caribbean.