Hurricane Melissa hits Jamaica

Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm, hit Jamaica on 25th October. The hurricane, which is the strongest Atlantic storm of 2025, destroyed whole neighbourhoods. It's also the most powerful hurricane to strike land since 1935.

Meteorologists had watched closely as Melissa headed straight for Jamaica, and forecasted the storm's direction afterwards.

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

Local residents had prepared for the storm. However, there was concern for those whose homes weren't secure.

"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."

As the authorities expected issues with power and water supplies, they had issued everyone with survival kits. They're essential for after the storm, says Red Cross employee Esther Pinnock.

"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 predictions of damage had been accurate. Winds that reached 295kph destroyed entire neighbourhoods and brought the added issue of flooding. Rescuers fought to gain access to many places due to roads which were blocked. 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".

In Jamaica, 28 deaths have been reported, although this is expected to rise. Though Melissa has slowed down since leaving the island, it's left severe damage in its path in Cuba. And on the Caribbean island of Haiti, which has already suffered greatly, 43 people have been killed and many more are missing. Weniger anzeigen