Historic Hurricane Melissa Devastates Jamaica, Threatens Cuba

Hurricane Melissa, one of the most powerful Atlantic storms ever recorded, has left a trail of destruction across Jamaica after making landfall as a Category 5 hurricane. The historic storm has earned the grim title of “storm of the century,” representing the strongest hurricane to strike Jamaica since 1851.

The western parish of St. Elizabeth has been completely inundated, with local officials reporting the entire area is “under water.” In the community of Black River, families remain trapped in their homes as floodwaters continue to rise. The hurricane’s ferocious winds, torrential rains, and devastating landslides have created a humanitarian crisis across the island nation.

As Jamaica struggles with the aftermath, Hurricane Melissa—now downgraded to Category 4—is barreling toward Cuba’s southeastern coast. The storm poses a significant threat to Santiago de Cuba, the country’s second-largest city, prompting Cuba’s president to warn citizens to prepare for a “very difficult night.” Emergency officials are scrambling to coordinate evacuations and disaster response efforts as the powerful storm approaches.

This unprecedented hurricane highlights the growing intensity of Atlantic storms, a trend scientists have linked to warming ocean temperatures caused by climate change. The Caribbean region, already vulnerable to extreme weather events, faces increasing risks as rising sea levels and stronger storms threaten millions of residents across the island nations. Recovery efforts in Jamaica are expected to take months, while Cuba braces for potentially catastrophic impacts from this historic weather event.