Hurricane Melissa Devastates Jamaica

Jamaica has been declared a disaster zone after Hurricane Melissa tore through the island, leaving widespread destruction, at least seven people dead, and more than 15,000 residents sheltering in emergency facilities. The storm, one of the most powerful ever recorded in the Caribbean, is now heading toward Cuba, where mass evacuations are already underway.

According to the U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC), Melissa’s maximum sustained winds reached 282 km/h, briefly dropping from a Category 5 to Category 4 hurricane. It has been described as “an extremely dangerous, large hurricane,” expected to bring life-threatening flooding and landslides across eastern Cuba in the coming hours.

People prepare for the arrival of Hurricane Melissa in Santiago de Cuba, Cuba, October 27, 2025. REUTERS/Norlys Perez TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY REFILE – CORRECTING LOCATION FROM “HAVANA” TO “SANTIAGO DE CUBA”.

“Beware of Crocodiles,” Officials Warn

As torrential rains flooded low-lying areas, Jamaican authorities issued an unusual warning for residents living near lakes, rivers, and wetlands: rising waters may drive crocodiles closer to homes and roads.

People walk along a road during the passing of Hurricane Melissa in Rocky Point, Jamaica, Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix)

The storm surge is expected to raise sea levels by 8 to 12 feet (2.5–3.5 meters) above normal tides, accompanied by massive and destructive waves, particularly near the hurricane’s landfall zone.

Thousands Evacuated Across the Caribbean

A woman stands in front of her home ahead of Hurricane Melissa’s landfall in Caleta Blanca, Cuba, October 28, 2025. REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini

Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez urged citizens to remain calm and disciplined, saying, “We must stay alert, show solidarity, and face this challenge together. We will overcome it.”

More than 735,000 people across Cuba have been evacuated from vulnerable coastal and mountain areas, especially near dams and flood-prone zones.

Meanwhile, in Jamaica, Prime Minister Andrew Holness said the country’s southwestern coast, including St. Elizabeth Parish, was the “impact corridor” for the hurricane, which caused heavy damage to homes, hospitals, and businesses.

People gather at a school turned shelter while Haiti is seeing downpours from the outer bands of Hurricane Melissa, as the storm is churning towards Cuba, after making landfall in Jamaica, in Les Cayes, Haiti, October 28, 2025. REUTERS/Patrice Noel

People cover a car in preparation for the arrival of Hurricane Melissa, in Santiago de Cuba, Cuba, October 28, 2025. REUTERS/Norlys Perez

“It’s Impossible to Stand in the Wind”

Eyewitnesses described terrifying scenes as the hurricane made landfall. “The winds are so strong you can’t stand upright,” one man told BBC News, while another woman said, “Water is pouring through my roof. I don’t know what to do.”

A partially collapsed hoarding frame, as Hurricane Melissa approaches, in downtown Kingston, Jamaica, October 28, 2025. REUTERS/Octavio Jones

U.S. Offers Support

From aboard Air Force One, U.S. President Donald Trump said Washington was ready to send aid to Jamaica if requested. “We’re monitoring the situation closely and prepared to act,” he said, calling the storm “absolutely devastating.”

A man secures the tin roof of his house with heavy objects as he prepares for the arrival of Hurricane Melissa, in Santiago de Cuba, Cuba, October 27, 2025. REUTERS/Norlys Perez REFILE – CORRECTING LOCATION FROM “HAVANA” TO “SANTIAGO DE CUBA”.

Trump, familiar with hurricanes from his home state of Florida, added, “You don’t often see a Category Five. It’s something that wipes everything in its path.”

The Storm’s Path Ahead

As Hurricane Melissa moves northward toward Cuba, forecasters warn of 10 to 25 inches (25–64 cm) of rain in some areas, raising the risk of catastrophic flash floods and mudslides.

Waves batter the shoreline ahead of Hurricane Melissa’s landfall, in Santiago de Cuba, Cuba, October 28, 2025. REUTERS/Norlys Perez

The storm is expected to weaken slightly as it crosses the island but will likely remain a major hurricane — continuing its deadly path through the Caribbean.