Hurricane Melissa, one of the most powerful Atlantic storms on record, has unleashed catastrophic destruction across Jamaica after making landfall as a Category 5 hurricane. The unprecedented storm is being called the strongest to hit the Caribbean island since 1851, delivering a devastating combination of destructive winds, torrential flooding, and deadly landslides.

The storm’s impact has been particularly severe in Jamaica’s southwestern regions, where entire communities are now submerged. Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie reported that the parish of St. Elizabeth is completely “under water,” with at least three families trapped in their homes in the Black River community. Emergency rescue teams are struggling to reach stranded residents due to the extreme weather conditions and widespread infrastructure damage.

This historic hurricane highlights the growing intensity of Atlantic storm systems, a trend scientists have linked to warming ocean temperatures driven by climate change. Category 5 hurricanes—the most powerful classification—generate sustained winds exceeding 157 mph and can cause catastrophic damage to buildings, infrastructure, and ecosystems.

As rescue operations continue amid dangerous conditions, officials have not yet confirmed casualty numbers. The full extent of Hurricane Melissa’s environmental and human impact will likely become clearer in the coming days as emergency responders work to reach affected areas and assess the damage to Jamaica’s communities and natural landscapes.