Hurricane Melissa Batters Jamaica as Category 5, Cuba Under Emergency Evacuation

KINGSTON, Jamaica – October 30, 2025 – Hurricane Melissa, a catastrophic Category 5 storm, made landfall on Jamaica's southern coast late Tuesday, unleashing destructive winds and torrential rainfall that have already caused widespread damage and triggered a significant humanitarian crisis across the island nation. As the powerful hurricane now tracks northwestward, neighboring Cuba is in the throes of massive evacuations, bracing for its impending and potentially devastating impact.

According to the National Hurricane Center (NHC), Melissa struck Jamaica with sustained winds of 160 mph (257 km/h) and even higher gusts, making it one of the most powerful storms to hit the Caribbean in decades. Initial reports from Jamaican authorities indicate severe infrastructure damage, extensive power outages, and widespread flooding, particularly in coastal and low-lying areas. Emergency services are struggling to assess the full extent of the devastation as communication lines remain disrupted in many parts of the island.

Immediate Impact and Emergency Response in Jamaica

The full scope of Hurricane Melissa's wrath on Jamaica is still emerging. Eyewitness accounts and preliminary damage assessments suggest significant destruction to homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure. Trees have been uprooted, power poles toppled, and roads rendered impassable by debris and floodwaters. Coastal communities, particularly those directly in the path of the storm, are feared to have borne the brunt of storm surge and destructive waves.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness addressed the nation early Wednesday, urging residents to remain in secure shelters and for international partners to prepare for substantial relief efforts. "This is an unprecedented challenge for Jamaica," Holness stated, "but our people are resilient, and our emergency teams are working tirelessly despite immense difficulties." Hospitals are reportedly overwhelmed, and several communities are isolated, heightening concerns for injured residents and those in need of immediate assistance.

Cuba Ramps Up Mass Evacuations

As Melissa churns northwest, its next major target is Cuba. The Cuban government, renowned for its efficient disaster preparedness, has been executing a rapid and extensive evacuation strategy. Cuban officials reported that approximately 168,900 people have been evacuated from Santiago de Cuba, the island's second-most populated province, which lies directly in the hurricane's anticipated path. Evacuations are also underway in Granma, Guantánamo, and other eastern provinces.

Authorities are prioritizing the most vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly, and those living in fragile structures or coastal zones. Schools and public buildings have been converted into shelters, supplied with essential provisions. "We are leaving nothing to chance," said a spokesperson for Cuba's Civil Defense, emphasizing their preparedness protocols that include securing food supplies, moving livestock, and protecting vital resources ahead of the storm's arrival.

Regional Threat and Long-Term Concerns

Beyond Jamaica and Cuba, Hurricane Melissa's trajectory continues to pose a significant threat to other Caribbean islands and potentially the southeastern United States. Meteorologists are closely monitoring its path, with models suggesting a possible turn towards the Florida peninsula or the Gulf Coast in the coming days. The sustained intensity of Melissa highlights the increasing severity of tropical storms, a trend that climate scientists attribute in part to rising ocean temperatures.

The long-term recovery for Jamaica will be a monumental task, requiring substantial international aid for rebuilding infrastructure, restoring livelihoods, and supporting displaced populations. For Cuba, the immediate focus is on minimizing casualties and damage through robust preparedness, but the economic impact of a Category 5 direct hit could be severe on its agricultural and tourism sectors.

Global relief organizations, including the Red Cross and various UN agencies, have activated their emergency response networks, pre-positioning supplies and personnel in the region, ready to deploy once conditions allow for safe access to affected areas. The international community watches closely as Hurricane Melissa continues its destructive journey, bringing a stark reminder of the escalating risks posed by extreme weather events.