Jamaica Braces for Unprecedented Catastrophe as Strongest Hurricane Ever Melissa Hits

Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Jamaica early Tuesday as a catastrophic Category 5 storm—the strongest in the island’s recorded history. With sustained winds of 175 mph, the hurricane tore across the island from St. Elizabeth Parish in the south to St. Ann in the north, leaving devastation in its wake.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness warned that “no infrastructure in the region can withstand a Category 5,” calling recovery “the challenge ahead.” Authorities reported landslides, downed trees, and widespread power outages even before the storm’s center arrived.

A 13-foot storm surge threatened coastal hospitals, prompting emergency relocations of patients. Health Minister Christopher Tufton said patients were moved to upper floors “hoping that will suffice.”

So far, seven deaths have been blamed on Melissa across the Caribbean — three in Jamaica, three in Haiti, and one in the Dominican Republic.

Meteorologists said the slow-moving storm was located 135 miles southwest of Kingston, moving north-northeast at just 2 mph. “We will get through it together,” said Evan Thompson of Jamaica’s Meteorological Service, as residents sheltered in place despite government evacuation orders.

Officials distributed generators and urged citizens to ration clean water, with Water Minister Matthew Samuda warning, “Every drop will count.”