Post by : Rameen Ariff

Jamaica is facing one of the strongest storms in its history as Hurricane Melissa — a Category 5 monster — lashes the Caribbean island with catastrophic winds, torrential rain, and life-threatening floods. At least three people have died in Jamaica, while four others were killed in Haiti and the Dominican Republic as the world’s strongest storm of 2025 continues its deadly path across the region.

According to the US National Hurricane Center (NHC), Hurricane Melissa reached sustained wind speeds of 175 mph (282 km/h) and could become the most powerful hurricane ever recorded in Jamaica since 1851. The storm, moving slowly across the Caribbean, is bringing heavy rainfall that could cause deadly flooding and landslides in mountainous regions.

The NHC warned that “catastrophic and life-threatening hurricane-force winds” will hit Jamaica through Tuesday morning. The hurricane’s slow pace means prolonged rainfall, with up to 40 inches (100 cm) expected in some areas, increasing the threat of landslides and flash floods.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness has ordered mass evacuations in vulnerable communities and activated 881 shelters across the island. He urged citizens to stay indoors, prepare for prolonged power outages, and comply with evacuation orders. “We will weather this storm and rebuild stronger,” he said in a national address.

Experts say Hurricane Melissa is currently about 140 miles southwest of Kingston, moving north-northeast at just 2 mph (4 km/h). The NHC cautioned that within the eyewall — the hurricane’s most intense zone — “total structural failure is likely.” Jamaicans living in higher elevation areas have been warned that winds there could be 30% stronger than in coastal regions.

Local residents are reporting widespread destruction and flooding. Damian Anderson, a teacher from the mountainous town of Hagley Gap, said, “We can’t move. We’re scared.” Roads have been cut off by landslides, leaving communities isolated. Meanwhile, in northern Jamaica, Evadney Campbell, visiting family from London, said, “We’re checking on neighbors to make sure they’re safe. Many people in lowland areas don’t want to leave because they fear looting.”

Hurricane Melissa has also wreaked havoc across Haiti and the Dominican Republic, where hundreds of homes have been flooded and rivers have overflowed. In Haiti, at least three people were confirmed dead, and in the Dominican Republic, a 79-year-old man was swept away by floodwaters in Santo Domingo. A 13-year-old boy is also missing after being dragged out to sea by strong currents.

Meteorologists are calling Hurricane Melissa “a once-in-a-century storm.” NHC Deputy Director Jamie Rhome warned, “This extreme rainfall potential, due to Melissa’s slow movement, is going to create a catastrophic event for Jamaica.”

The Jamaican government has suspended all public transport, closed schools, and halted flights. In rural areas, school buses have been deployed to transport residents to safety. Emergency teams are on high alert, and rescue operations are underway despite severe weather conditions.

Hurricane Melissa’s path is expected to take it over Cuba and the Bahamas by Wednesday night, where authorities are already preparing for hurricane-force winds and storm surges. Tropical storm warnings have also been issued for Haiti and the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The full scale of damage in Jamaica will become clearer once Hurricane Melissa passes, but early reports suggest widespread devastation. Experts warn that even after the storm moves away, the country will face a long recovery process due to flooding, power outages, and damaged infrastructure.

As one of the most powerful and destructive storms in recent history, Hurricane Melissa serves as a grim reminder of the growing threat of extreme weather fueled by climate change — leaving the Caribbean once again on the frontlines of nature’s fury.

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