Hurricane Melissa: The Most Powerful Storm in Jamaica's History Strikes with Unprecedented Force

On October 28, 2025, Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm with sustained winds of 185 mph, made landfall near New Hope, Jamaica, marking the most powerful hurricane to ever strike the island. The storm brought catastrophic winds, torrential rainfall, and widespread flooding, leading to significant infrastructure damage and power outages.

The hurricane's slow movement and torrential rainfall, potentially reaching up to 40 inches, increased the risk of catastrophic flash flooding and widespread landslides, especially in mountainous regions like the Blue Mountains. Similarly, Hispaniola and Cuba are prone to landslides due to their seismic activity and topography. Experts emphasized that human modifications to natural landscapes, such as road construction and deforestation, can exacerbate these risks.

In Haiti, at least 25 people were killed in the town of Petit-Goâve due to flash flooding caused by the bursting La Digue River. The local mayor called for government assistance, and the U.S. pledged support, sending rescue teams and critical supplies.

As Hurricane Melissa moved through the region, it weakened to a Category 3 storm upon reaching Cuba, where winds dropped to 105 mph. Nonetheless, major power outages and flood risks persisted.

The United States is sending several dozen disaster relief workers, including urban search and rescue teams from California and Virginia, to Caribbean nations in response to the destruction caused by Hurricane Melissa. The relief teams, part of the Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART), are being deployed from Washington, Miami, and Costa Rica and will coordinate with local staff in Jamaica, the Bahamas, and the Dominican Republic to also assist Haiti.

Melissa was dubbed Jamaica's "storm of the century," ranking as the third most intense hurricane in Caribbean history. Scientists attributed its rapid intensification to warming ocean waters, with Caribbean leaders calling for global climate reparations. Aid organizations have begun mobilizing for a large relief effort, especially for Jamaica's agriculture sector, which Melissa heavily impacted. About 15,000 Jamaicans sought refuge in shelters, with many others cut off due to flooding. The Red Cross estimated up to 1.5 million people could be directly affected by the storm.

Hurricane Melissa's unprecedented intensity and impact have drawn comparisons to previous catastrophic storms in the Caribbean. Notably, Hurricane Gilbert in 1988, which also reached Category 5 status, caused widespread devastation in Jamaica. However, Melissa's rapid intensification and the extent of its impact have set new records, underscoring the increasing severity of hurricanes in the region.

The unprecedented strength of Hurricane Melissa underscores the increasing severity of hurricanes in the Caribbean, prompting calls for global climate reparations from Caribbean leaders.

Hurricane Melissa's devastation serves as a stark reminder of the growing threat posed by climate change-induced natural disasters. The Caribbean's vulnerability necessitates enhanced preparedness, international cooperation, and urgent action to mitigate future catastrophes.