Hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica on October 28, 2025, as a Category 5 storm—the strongest hurricane ever to hit the island since record-keeping began – with sustained winds of 185 mph. The slow-moving hurricane battered Jamaica with extreme winds and rain, causing catastrophic flooding, landslides, and widespread destruction, especially in the western part of the country.

Power outages affected up to 70% of the island, leaving hundreds of thousands without electricity or clean water and severely disrupting communications and healthcare services. At least eight people were confirmed dead, with the full toll still unclear due to inaccessible areas. Over 1.5 million people—more than a third of Jamaica’s population—were impacted directly by the hurricane, with thousands evacuated and approximately 15,000 seeking shelter.

Many families lost their homes entirely, while others faced destroyed crops and livelihoods, particularly in the island’s agricultural heartland
The overwhelmed healthcare system, damaged infrastructure, displacement, and loss of income have created a humanitarian crisis, leaving survivors reliant on emergency aid, with long-term recovery expected to take months or even years.