Hurricane Melissa Leaves Trail of Destruction in Jamaica as It Approaches Landfall

Hurricane Melissa, the most powerful storm of 2025 so far, has left at least three people dead in Jamaica and is expected to make landfall with catastrophic force. The Category 5 hurricane, carrying sustained winds of up to 175 mph (282 km/h), continues to move slowly across the Caribbean, heightening fears of devastating flooding, landslides, and storm surges.

Jamaican authorities have declared a state of emergency as the storm approaches the island’s northern coast. Prime Minister Andrew Holness urged residents to evacuate high-risk areas immediately, warning that no infrastructure in the region can withstand such intensity. More than 800 shelters have been opened, and thousands of residents have already been evacuated from vulnerable coastal zones.

Airports across Jamaica have suspended operations, and power outages have been reported in several parishes. Emergency teams are struggling to reach isolated communities as torrential rain and strong winds continue to batter the island.

Meteorologists say Hurricane Melissa’s unprecedented strength has been fueled by abnormally warm ocean temperatures, creating the conditions for rapid intensification. After striking Jamaica, the storm is forecast to move northeast toward eastern Cuba and the Bahamas, where authorities are also preparing for widespread destruction.

As the storm gathers strength, regional governments have called for international assistance, warning that the scale of damage could surpass previous hurricanes in the region’s recent history.