Hurricane Melissa continued to unleash destruction across the Caribbean on Tuesday, maintaining Category 4 intensity as its eye swept over Jamaica with record-breaking winds before moving toward Cuba.
According to the US National Hurricane Center (NHC), the storm made landfall near New Hope, approximately 62 km (39 miles) south of Montego Bay, with sustained winds reaching 185 mph (295 km/h) exceeding the lower threshold for a Category 5 hurricane. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has described Melissa as the “storm of the century.”
The hurricane has already caused seven fatalities across the Caribbean three in Jamaica, three in Haiti, and one in the Dominican Republic while another person remains missing.
“Melissa remains a powerful Category 4 hurricane over northwestern Jamaica,” the NHC warned. “This is an extremely dangerous and life-threatening situation.”
Jamaica Reels Under Catastrophic Damage
The storm brought torrential rainfall, flash floods, and landslides, devastating large sections of western Jamaica. Experts estimate rainfall could surpass 700mm (27.5 inches) nearly double the average for an entire rainy season.
Jamaica’s Minister for Local Government, Desmond McKenzie, said authorities had done everything possible to prepare, but admitted that “no country can be fully ready for a Category 5 hurricane.”
Emergency response teams remain on high alert. Leiska Powell, a Red Cross manager in Jamaica, reported “significant structural damage” and widespread power outages, particularly in the western region.
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) estimates that 1.5 million Jamaicans may be directly affected by the storm.
“Many of us are without electricity,” said Robian Williams, a journalist in Kingston. “First responders are trying to clear blocked roads caused by fallen trees and downed power lines.”
As the island shelters roughly 25,000 stranded tourists, Prime Minister Andrew Holness’s office confirmed that hotels are offering “distress rates” and emergency accommodations. Holness also said Jamaica had received international assistance pledges from the UN, US, EU, UK, France, and several Caribbean neighbours.
Amid the floods, the South East Regional Health Authority issued a warning about displaced crocodiles entering residential areas due to rising water levels.
Cuba Braces for Impact
Meteorologists predict that Hurricane Melissa will continue towards eastern Cuba on Wednesday, maintaining its Category 4 strength. Authorities have begun mass evacuations, with more than 600,000 people relocated from coastal provinces, including Santiago de Cuba and Holguin.
Deputy Prime Minister Eduardo Martínez, speaking from a shelter in Banes, described the situation as “unprecedented and very dangerous.”
A hurricane warning is now in effect for Granma, Santiago de Cuba, Guantanamo, and Holguin, while a tropical storm warning covers Las Tunas. Forecasters expect rainfall of up to 510mm (20 inches) and severe coastal storm surges.
Regional Impact and Outlook
Melissa has already battered Haiti and the Dominican Republic, causing deadly floods and mudslides. A tropical storm warning remains in effect for southern Haiti.
The hurricane is projected to turn northeast after Cuba, potentially striking the southeast Bahamas by Wednesday evening.
Experts warn that the storm’s slow movement averaging only 7 km/h (4 mph) amplifies its destructive potential.
