Hurricane Melissa landed in Jamaica on October 28, 2025. It is one of the most devastating and powerful hurricanes in Jamaican history. It was a Category five hurricane that affected the southern coast. It was the strongest storm ever to hit the island. It was even worse than Hurricane Gilbert in 1988.
When Melissa landed, it brought strong winds up to 185 mph. These winds were as aggressive as some of the strongest hurricanes ever recorded in the Atlantic Ocean. This made Melissa a dangerous storm for Jamaica.
The hurricane caused many deaths in Jamaica, and even more across the Caribbean islands it hit. Over 13,000 people had to find safety in emergency shelters. It was difficult to help people because the power went out in many places, making communication difficult.
The damages are estimated to cost between $6 billion and $7 billion. This is a huge problem for Jamaica’s economy because it accounts for about 30% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product. Farm land was hit hard, which is a major problem for the farmers and fishers.
The destruction left by Hurricane Melissa means the surrounding areas and Jamaica need a well-organized plan to help people recover and rebuild homes and communities.
Many international organizations and countries, such as the United States and the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency, offered support. They provided financial aid, technical assistance, and other supplies. The United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States sent teams of experts to help with search and rescue operations and assess the damages.
