The footage emerging from Jamaica after Hurricane Melissa is nothing short of heartbreaking, showing the scale of devastation left in the storm’s wake.
The unprecedented Category 5 hurricane—the highest rating on the Saffir-Simpson scale—slammed into Jamaica with sustained winds reaching 157 mph, leaving behind scenes of destruction that are difficult to comprehend.
Hurricane Melissa, moving slowly across the island, unleashed torrential rains, flooding, mudslides, and powerful storm surges that battered coastal towns and overwhelmed communities. As dawn broke, residents woke to a country in ruins—homes destroyed, roads blocked, and power completely cut off.
In a public address, Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness declared the entire country a disaster area. His statement, widely shared on social media, read: “The government’s first priority is always the safety and well-being of every Jamaican. We acted pre-emptively with the declaration of a threatened area when the system was approaching Jamaica. Hurricane Melissa, an unprecedented Category 5 system, is now here, making its way across the island. This warrants a new legislative provision under the DRMA [The Disaster Risk Management Act of 2021].”
He continued, “We must also continue to proactively maintain stability, protect consumers, and prevent any exploitation at a time when citizens are securing food, water, and supplies.”
Video clips and images from across the island paint a grim picture—entire neighborhoods submerged, homes crumbling under the relentless force of the wind, and the once-vibrant landscape now covered in murky floodwater beneath dark, storm-filled skies.
Authorities report that more than 15,000 Jamaicans have taken refuge in emergency shelters, while over 25,000 tourists remain stranded on the island, with no immediate means of returning home.
In an act of solidarity, the Black River Police Station announced it had opened its doors to anyone seeking refuge from the storm. Photos posted online showed streets littered with debris, cars trapped under fallen trees, and power lines dangling dangerously close to the ground.
The police statement on Twitter read, “The Black River Police Station has become a refuge for residents whose houses have been flooded. We are sticking close to the community as we weather Hurricane Melissa together.”
But Jamaica was not the only country affected. The massive storm also struck Cuba, leaving widespread destruction in its path.
Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel confirmed the extent of the disaster on Wednesday, saying, “It has been a very difficult early morning. There is extensive damage, and Hurricane Melissa is still over Cuban territory. I urge our people not to let their guard down, to maintain discipline, and to remain safely sheltered.”
Meteorologists now predict that Hurricane Melissa will continue its path toward the Bahamas before moving on to Bermuda, threatening even more lives and property in the days ahead.
This catastrophe has left an indelible mark on the Caribbean. Our hearts, thoughts, and prayers go out to the people of Jamaica, Cuba, and all those affected by the devastating force of Hurricane Melissa.