Hurricane Melissa, a Category Five storm when it made landfall near New Hope, Jamaica, on Tuesday, released her catastrophic fury with full force. The storm maximized out at 185 mph (298 kph) winds. This rendered it the joint strongest hurricane on record in the Caribbean along with Hurricane Wilma in 2005 and Hurricane Gilbert in 1988. Residents are still grappling with the storm’s devastation, with several people unaccounted for, an estimated 396 buildings destroyed, and extreme flooding reported.
When the threat from Melissa grew clear, the government ordered all about 28,000 residents in the path of Melissa to evacuate at once! Even with this, many were still unwilling to leave their homes. As of 3 PM local time, Laura had decreased in strength to 258 km/h (160 mph). Even as it made landfall, it was still maintaining its Category Five credentials. As the hurricane howled through the Caribbean Sea, it continued directly towards Cuba, threatening to make landfall over Santiago de Cuba, the country’s second-largest city.
Our friends down in Jamaica reported lots of damage from the storm, with roofs ripped off homes and buildings, trees felled blocking roads, and serious flooding all over. Local officials confirmed that more than three dozen families became stranded in rising floodwaters in Black River. This is a testament to the urgent risk of harm their residents are experiencing. With almost every customer of Jamaica Public Service in the dark, the breadth of this recent disruption has been staggering—
Widespread Destruction and Displacement
The wake of hurricane Melissa paints a dismal scene of devastation. According to an AHA report, four large, predominantly teaching hospitals reported extensive damage. After it lost power, one facility even needed to evacuate patients due to the lack of energy resources. The devastation goes far beyond just healthcare facilities, destroying residential properties and critical infrastructure, too.
“Roofs were coming off,” said Collin Henry McDonald, a lifelong resident of the small town. “It’s like a roaring lion. It’s mad. Really mad.” Sadly, his sentiments are all too common as so many continue to face the impacts of this unprecedented storm.
Alex DaSilva noted that “the destruction could be unlike anything people in Jamaica have seen before.” The island has not, in modern history, ever taken a direct hit from a Category Four or Category Five hurricane. This reality is a testament to how unprecedented this disaster has been.
In the western parishes of Westmoreland and St. Elizabeth, residents are even more vulnerable. This is really terrifying,” said Crystal Robian Williams. The storm’s effect on these communities is deep, as they grapple with immediate threats as well as long-term recovery obstacles.
Government Response and Recovery Efforts
In the wake of this most recent crisis, Jamaican leaders have swiftly positioned resources to address recovery needs and provide relief support. Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness stated that damage to hospitals and residential homes is extensive. He further pointed out that their road infrastructure has been, “very seriously damaged. There is going to be incredible amount of work to accomplish that,” he admitted. “We know that this cyclone will cause significant damage.”
Government representative Matthew Samuda voiced cautious optimism over the storm’s slight weakening but insisted that the danger was far from over. “We are happy that there is some weakening, but 165 miles per hour [266 km/h] — that is still a catastrophe,” he said.
Cuban authorities have gone on the offensive, evacuating about half a million people before Hurricane Melissa made landfall. Storm total rainfall of 10 to 20 inches is anticipated across eastern Cuba through Wednesday. These intense rain storms put communities at an increased risk of flooding and exacerbating existing damage.
A Jamaican official emphasized the need for both immediate food aid and long-term recovery support. “Food aid will be needed, but recovery support like seeds, tools and repairs for vehicles will be just as critical to help people restore their livelihoods.”
The Human Cost of the Storm
The human cost of Melissa remains uncertain as rescue efforts go on. According to reports, at least three families are still stranded in the floodwaters of Black River. At the same time, local officials are scrambling to take stock of the full damages.
Desmond McKenzie reported that over 530,000 Jamaicans — representing over 77% of Jamaica Public Service customers — are without electricity due to the storm’s impact. This substantial loss of power makes recovery efforts more challenging and creates a greater urgency for assistance.
Jamaica has a long and difficult road ahead to recover and rebuild after Hurricane Melissa. The impact of previously storm events are fresh on the minds of all who call home coastal North Carolina. “People are scared,” noted a Jamaican official. Memories of Hurricane Gilbert are long and there is anger that Jamaica is still suffering the brunt of a climate emergency we did not create.
The path forward to recovery will be long and difficult as families and communities take their first steps to rebuild in the wake of this historic disaster. One thing is certain—Hurricane Melissa’s effects will be felt for years to come. Once again, Jamaicans are coming together to help one another rebuild their homes and restore their livelihoods.
