Tue Oct 28 18:12:22 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing the provided text, formatted for a general audience:

NEWS ARTICLE

Category 5 Hurricane Melissa Slams Jamaica, Leaves Trail of Destruction

Kingston, Jamaica – October 28, 2025 – Hurricane Melissa, one of the strongest Atlantic hurricanes on record, made landfall in Jamaica on Tuesday, bringing catastrophic winds, torrential rain, and a life-threatening storm surge. The Category 5 storm packed maximum sustained winds of 185 mph (295 kph), causing widespread damage and triggering urgent warnings from officials.

The streets of Kingston were largely deserted as residents heeded calls to seek shelter. Desmond McKenzie, Deputy Chairman of Jamaica’s Disaster Risk Management Council, stressed the severity of the situation, urging people to stay indoors. Prime Minister Andrew Holness stated that Jamaica will face the challenges during the recovery period.

Reports indicate widespread power outages, landslides, and fallen trees. Authorities are bracing for a slow cleanup and damage assessment. A storm surge of up to 13 feet is expected along the southern coast, raising concerns about the impact on coastal hospitals, some of which have been partially evacuated.

Tragically, Melissa has already claimed seven lives across the Caribbean: three in Jamaica, three in Haiti, and one in the Dominican Republic, where another person is missing. The International Red Cross estimates that 1.5 million people in the storm’s path will be affected.

As Melissa moves on, it is expected to slice across Jamaica and head towards Cuba, where evacuations are underway, particularly in the eastern Holguín province. Up to 51 centimeters of rain are forecast for Cuba, along with a significant storm surge.

The hurricane is then projected to turn northeast and impact the southeast Bahamas by Wednesday evening. Relief agencies are mobilizing to provide food, medicine, and other essential supplies to affected areas as soon as possible.

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