Hurricane Melissa has unleashed catastrophic destruction across Jamaica, making landfall as a powerful Category 5 storm, one of the strongest Atlantic hurricanes ever recorded, hit the island nation.
Torrential floods swept through southwestern communities on Tuesday as winds reaching 185 mph (295 kph) tore roofs from buildings and sent boulders crashing onto major roads. Landslides, uprooted trees, and widespread power outages have paralyzed the island.
“There is no infrastructure in the region that can withstand a Category 5,” Prime Minister Andrew Holness said. “The question now is the speed of recovery, that’s the challenge.”
At least three families remain trapped in their homes in the Black River area, where floodwaters are dangerously high. Emergency crews have been unable to reach them due to ongoing storm conditions, according to Desmond McKenzie, deputy chairman of Jamaica’s Disaster Risk Management Council.
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“Roofs were flying off,” McKenzie said. “St. Elizabeth is underwater. We’re praying the situation improves so rescuers can get to those affected.”
Officials report nearly 15,000 people in shelters and over half a million customers without power. The hurricane, the strongest to strike Jamaica in 174 years, continues to batter the island as it moves toward eastern Cuba, maintaining Category 4 strength.
Rohan Brown of Jamaica’s Meteorological Service warned that as Melissa moves offshore, its counterclockwise winds could drive dangerous storm surges into northern coastal communities overnight.
Despite evacuation orders, many residents chose to stay in their homes. Colin Bogle, a Mercy Corps adviser sheltering with his grandmother in Portmore, described the scene “The noise is relentless.
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People are anxious and just trying to hold on until the storm passes.”
Even amid the chaos, some locals were drawn by curiosity. “When the wind howls, it feels as if the world is falling apart,” said 15-year-old Gavin Fuller, who stepped outside briefly to witness the storm’s power.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.