Wed Oct 29 00:00:00 UTC 2025: ## Hurricane Melissa Ravages Jamaica, Eyes Cuba Next

Kingston, Jamaica – Hurricane Melissa, one of the strongest Atlantic hurricanes on record, has unleashed widespread destruction across Jamaica and is now barreling towards Cuba as a Category 3 storm. The storm is responsible for seven deaths so far, three in Jamaica during storm preparations, three in Haiti, and one in the Dominican Republic.

Jamaica has already witnessed extensive damage to homes, hospitals, and schools, particularly in the southwestern region. Prime Minister Andrew Holness warned of “catastrophic damage” earlier in the day. Minister for Local Government Desmond McKenzie described the parish of St. Elizabeth as “underwater” and said that infrastructure has been “severely compromised.” Over 530,000 Jamaicans are currently without power, representing over 77% of Jamaica Public Service customers.

A police station in Black River has been converted into a temporary shelter, and reports indicate severe damage throughout St. Elizabeth. Black River Hospital is operating without power and has sustained roof damage. Across the island, approximately 15,000 Jamaicans are seeking refuge in emergency shelters.

Despite the devastation, Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett reported no deaths directly linked to the storm since landfall in Jamaica. He expressed confidence in the country’s ability to recover quickly due to its preparedness.

Carnival Cruise Line has rerouted several ships to avoid the storm, impacting planned stops in Montego Bay and other Caribbean locations.

Currently, Melissa is situated off the northern coast of Jamaica and is moving north-northeast towards Cuba, where landfall is expected early Wednesday morning. The National Hurricane Center forecasts the storm will remain a major hurricane as it crosses Cuba and moves towards the Bahamas. Cuba is bracing for torrential rainfall, life-threatening flash flooding, mudslides, winds up to 140 mph, and a storm surge of up to 12 feet.

The hurricane’s intensification was fueled by unusually warm ocean temperatures in the Caribbean, with climate scientists linking the severity to climate change.

The World Food Programme (WFP) is preparing to distribute aid in the most affected areas of Jamaica once the government gives the all-clear.

Authorities in Jamaica and Cuba are urging residents to remain vigilant and follow safety guidelines as the storm continues its path of destruction.

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