Hurricane Melissa, one of the strongest storms in Caribbean history, has caused massive destruction in Jamaica before moving on to Cuba. The Category 5 hurricane made landfall on Tuesday with winds reaching 185 mph, flooding towns and destroying homes.
Hurricane Melissa Live: Jamaica Declared a Disaster Area
The storm battered the southwestern part of the island, leaving the parish of St. Elizabeth completely “underwater.” Streets in Kingston and nearby towns were submerged as floodwaters swept through communities.
At least seven people have died in the disaster. Jamaica’s Prime Minister has declared the island a “disaster area.” Several families in Black River, western Jamaica, are trapped in their homes. Emergency teams could not reach them due to dangerous conditions.
Jamaica’s minister confirmed the extent of the damage, saying St. Elizabeth “is underwater.” The powerful hurricane has now made landfall in Cuba, where authorities have issued severe weather warnings.
Melissa has become the strongest storm to strike Jamaica since record-keeping began 174 years ago, leaving behind widespread devastation and urgent calls for relief efforts.