Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
Hurricane Melissa roared ashore in Jamaica on Tuesday as a catastrophic Category 5 storm, unleashing some of the most powerful winds ever recorded during a landfall in the Atlantic basin. The hurricane struck near the town of New Hope in southwestern Jamaica around 1 p.m. local time, packing sustained winds estimated at 185 miles per hour and producing destructive storm surge and torrential rainfall across the island.
Officials described the situation as “extremely dangerous and life-threatening,” urging residents to shelter in place until conditions improve. The storm has already knocked out power to large portions of the island, uprooted trees, and torn roofs from homes and businesses. Emergency crews have been unable to reach several communities due to flooded roads and downed power lines.
Hours of Catastrophic Winds and Rain
By late afternoon, Melissa had weakened slightly but remained an exceptionally dangerous Category 5 hurricane, hammering western Jamaica with sustained winds near 160 miles per hour and higher gusts. The storm was moving toward the north-northeast at roughly 8 miles per hour, bringing relentless bands of rain, flash flooding, and life-threatening storm surge to coastal regions.
Meteorologists warned that the most intense conditions would persist for several hours before Melissa moves back over open water late Tuesday and heads toward eastern Cuba. Authorities cautioned that even after the storm’s center passes, heavy rainfall and flooding will continue to pose serious risks across the island.
Jamaica’s History of Powerful Storms
Jamaica has faced destructive hurricanes before, including Hurricane Gilbert in 1988 and Hurricane Beryl in 2024, but Melissa ranks among the most severe to ever strike the country. Local officials and long-time residents have described the storm as “unlike anything in living memory.” The scale of the damage is expected to become clearer once conditions allow assessment teams to deploy across the island.
International Response and Relief Efforts
Humanitarian organizations, including the American Red Cross and World Central Kitchen, have begun preparing to assist with recovery efforts in the coming days and weeks. Emergency shelters across Jamaica are housing thousands of residents displaced by the storm. Relief groups say their immediate priorities will be providing food, clean water, and medical care once it is safe to enter the affected areas.
Neighboring countries and international partners have pledged support for recovery operations. The Jamaican government has declared a national emergency, activating disaster response protocols and coordinating with regional weather agencies to track Melissa’s next moves.
Next Threat: Eastern Cuba
Forecasters expect Hurricane Melissa to reemerge over the Caribbean Sea late Tuesday night, maintaining its strength as it approaches eastern Cuba on Wednesday. Cuban authorities have begun evacuations in coastal areas, warning residents to prepare for destructive winds, torrential rain, and storm surge.
Meteorologists say Melissa could remain a Category 4 or 5 hurricane through midweek, depending on how long it stays over warm ocean waters. Beyond Cuba, the storm’s projected path suggests it could threaten parts of the Bahamas and potentially the southern tip of Florida later this week, though forecasts remain uncertain.
A Long Road Ahead
As night fell on Tuesday, Jamaica faced the grim aftermath of one of the strongest storms in its history. Communication remained limited in many regions, and officials warned that rescue operations could take days. Prime Minister Andrew Holness is expected to address the nation once the immediate danger passes.
For now, authorities continue to urge all residents to remain indoors, stay away from flooded areas, and follow emergency instructions as Hurricane Melissa slowly moves away from Jamaica leaving behind widespread destruction and an uncertain road to recovery.
