The devastating hurricane Melissa has fatally injured seven people to date* throughout the Caribbean. Three of the deaths were in Jamaica, three in Haiti and one in the Dominican Republic. According to CNN, Melissa is so powerful it will reshape Jamaica for years to come and could trigger a humanitarian disaster.
Hurricane Melissa brings up to 185 mph wind which has tripped trees up from the root. The hurricane is a category 5. Thankfully, most hospitals in Jamaica have power, while some others are on generators.
Evrol Christian, a restaurant owner in the southwestern coast of Jamaica spoke to CNN over the phone. While on the phone, Christian said “The whole coastline is gone. The waves are as high as around 15 feet. And the wind speed, presently, it’s like I can see the wind. It’s unbelievable,” he added.
Because of the storm, Jamaica has experienced several power outages throughout the country; 240,000 people were without power before landfall. Jamaica’s Minister of Local Government Desmond KcKenzie addressed people’s concerns during a news conference on October 28th.
“Jamaica, this is not the time to be brave,” he said. “Don’t bet against Melissa. It is a bet we can’t win.”
“Jamaicans feel as prepared as they can be for what lies ahead,” KcKenzie continued, adding that information shared by government officials has been helpful.
This is said to be the second strongest hurricane on the Atlantic coast in terms of wind speed compared all the way back to 1851 according to CNN.
*Information updated as of Oct 28, 2025
