Jamaica is bracing itself for one of its strongest storms ever as Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 hurricane with sustained winds approaching 175 mph (282 km/h), approaches. Melissa is expected to make landfall early Tuesday morning on October 28, 2025 and at least three fatalities have already been confirmed there, while seven deaths across the Caribbean region including three in Haiti and one in Dominican Republic has been recorded so far according to Al Jazeera reports.
Jamaican government authorities have issued mandatory evacuation orders for vulnerable communities across Kingston and Port Royal, with over 800 shelters activated and both international airports closed as a result of flood risks. Prime Minister Andrew Holness cautioned citizens that many communities may not survive this flooding event, emphasizing that many may succumb.
Hurricane Melissa formed on October 21 and quickly intensified into a Category 5 hurricane by October 27. She is the thirteenth named storm and third Category 5 storm of 2025 Atlantic hurricane season. Due to its slow movement, its long-term forecast involves prolonged heavy rainfall and strong winds affecting Jamaica – potentially up to 40 inches (1 meter). These factors could result in flash flooding and landslides.
The Guardian
Already the storm’s effects can be felt across neighboring nations, from Haiti where rising river levels and flooding caused significant damage including the destruction of a bridge in Sainte-Suzanne to Dominica Republic where over 200 homes have been damaged while more than half a million people are without water services; expectedly it will continue its path toward Cuba and the Bahamas later this week.
As Jamaica prepares for what could be its worst storm yet, international aid organizations are mobilizing. The UN and various humanitarian groups are leading relief efforts; relief supplies should arrive by Thursday. However, due to its slow movement of Hurricane Matthew’s damage and recovery operations may prove more complex than initially anticipated.
Residents are being advised to remain indoors and follow official orders during this storm’s full impact, which has yet to be fully felt. At present, authorities’ main goal is focusing on saving lives and mitigating further damage; thus making these days critical as Jamaica faces one of its greatest natural disasters ever experienced.