Hurricane Melissa, described as the strongest storm ever recorded in Jamaica, has now moved toward Cuba after causing widespread destruction across the island. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has labeled the cyclone the “storm of the century” due to its extreme strength and slow movement.
The hurricane made landfall near the town of New Hope in southwestern Jamaica with sustained winds of 185 mph (295 kph), placing it well above the Category 5 classification on the Saffir-Simpson scale, according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC). Entire neighborhoods in St. Elizabeth Parish were reported “underwater,” and more than 500,000 people are without electricity.
Prime Minister Andrew Holness said on CNN that the hurricane has caused severe damage to hospitals, homes, and essential infrastructure. While official casualty numbers in Jamaica have not yet been confirmed, he stated that the impact suggests there may be loss of life once full assessments are completed.
Across the Caribbean, Melissa has already caused at least seven confirmed deaths — three in Jamaica, three in Haiti, and one in the Dominican Republic. One person is still reported missing. The WMO warned that rainfall totals could exceed 700 mm (27.5 inches), heightening the threat of dangerous flash floods and landslides.
Jamaican emergency services and the Red Cross are working in affected areas, though officials admit the scale of the storm has overwhelmed response capacity. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies estimates that up to 1.5 million Jamaicans could face long-term hardship, including displacement and ongoing power outages.
After leaving Jamaica, Hurricane Melissa continued northwest, maintaining Category 4 strength as it headed toward Cuba’s southern provinces. Cuban authorities have begun evacuations in low-lying areas and activated disaster response teams. The NHC warned that the storm will likely bring destructive winds, coastal surges, and heavy rainfall to the region.
Both countries are preparing for continued flooding, infrastructure damage, and extended recovery efforts in the coming days.
