What was the impact of Hurricane Melissa on Jamaica?

Hurricane Melissa, a powerful Category 5 storm, caused unprecedented destruction in Jamaica, with entire communities flattened and the once-green Cockpit Country now bearing a haunting, winter-like appearance.

How much damage did Hurricane Melissa cause across the Caribbean region?

According to the article, Hurricane Melissa resulted in an estimated $48-52 billion in damage and economic loss across the western Caribbean, affecting a total population of at least 25 million people.

What was the Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility's response to Hurricane Melissa?

The CCRIF announced a record payout of $70.8 million to Jamaica in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa's devastation.

Home / Disasters and Accidents / Unprecedented Category 5 Hurricane Melissa Devastates Caribbean

Unprecedented Category 5 Hurricane Melissa Devastates Caribbean

4 Nov

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Summary

Melissa made landfall in Jamaica as a powerful Category 5 hurricane
Storm caused $48-52 billion in damage and economic loss across the region
Thousands of homes damaged, entire communities flattened in affected areas

Unprecedented Category 5 Hurricane Melissa Devastates Caribbean

On November 1st, 2025, a powerful Category 5 hurricane named Melissa made landfall in southwestern Jamaica, becoming the Caribbean nation's strongest-ever storm to directly hit its shores. The hurricane, which had wind speeds of up to 185 mph, went on to tear a path through Cuba, the Bahamas, and Bermuda before moving off to the north on November 4th.

The storm has been described as unprecedented by government officials and meteorologists, who attribute its rapid intensification to exceptionally warm sea-surface temperatures and favorable atmospheric conditions. The rarity of a storm of such severity, combined with the scale of the damage inflicted on the affected land, has ensured that Melissa will go down in history as one of the most devastating hurricanes on record.