Powerful Hurricane Melissa Pummels Jamaica, Threatens Cuba

On October 29, 2025, Hurricane Melissa, a mammoth Category 5 storm, pummeled the Caribbean, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. The storm first made landfall in Jamaica on October 28, causing widespread damage and flooding. An estimated 25,000 tourists remain stranded on the island, as airports have been shut down and flights canceled.

In the aftermath, Jamaican authorities have reported that entire towns are under water, with landslides, fallen trees, and power outages hampering rescue efforts. Prime Minister Andrew Holness warned that the recovery process could take days or even weeks in the worst-affected regions. Meanwhile, in neighboring Cuba, the government has evacuated over 735,000 residents from coastal and mountainous areas in the storm's path. Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel has urged the population to take the threat seriously, as Melissa is the strongest hurricane to ever hit the country.

As the storm continues to batter the region, the full extent of the damage and loss of life remains unclear. However, experts have warned that the total economic impact across Jamaica could reach a staggering $22 billion. The United States has pledged to provide assistance to Jamaica once the cleanup and rebuilding efforts begin.