The monstrous storm struck Jamaica on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, before hitting eastern Cuba early the next morning. As residents and authorities in both nations begin to assess the extensive damage, the full scale of the hurricane's impact is just beginning to emerge. This post will detail the timeline of the storm, the damage reported in Jamaica and Cuba, and the ongoing response efforts.
Melissa's Path Through the Caribbean
Hurricane Melissa's journey through the Caribbean was marked by its sheer force and devastating impact.
Landfall in Jamaica
On Tuesday, October 28, Melissa slammed into Jamaica as a powerful hurricane, with some reports citing it as a Category 5 storm upon landfall. The island nation experienced top sustained winds of 295 kilometers per hour, causing catastrophic damage across almost every parish.
The government quickly declared the island a "disaster area" to mobilize relief and recovery efforts. The storm's impact was felt universally, with more than half a million customers losing power as trees and power lines were downed by the fierce winds and extensive flooding.
Landfall in Cuba
After pummeling Jamaica, Hurricane Melissa continued its path northeast, making landfall near the city of Chivirico in eastern Cuba early on Wednesday, October 29. It struck the island as a Category 3 storm, with top sustained winds recorded at 193 kilometers per hour.
In preparation for the storm's arrival, Cuban authorities had evacuated hundreds of thousands of people to shelters. A hurricane warning was issued for five provinces: Granma, Santiago de Cuba, Guantanamo, Holguin, and Las Tunas. Classes had been suspended in provinces from the far east to the center of the island since Monday. The storm was forecast to cross Cuba through the morning and move toward the Bahamas later on Wednesday.
Assessing the Damage
The aftermath of Hurricane Melissa reveals a trail of destruction, with both Jamaica and Cuba facing a monumental cleanup and recovery effort.
Devastation in Jamaica
The damage in Jamaica has been described as extensive. Desmond McKenzie, deputy chairman of Jamaica's Disaster Risk Management Council, stated that the southwestern parish of St. Elizabeth, a main agricultural region, was "under water." The town of Santa Cruz in the same parish was particularly devastated, with streets reduced to mud pits.
Significant infrastructure damage was also reported across the island:
- Hospitals: Four hospitals were damaged, with one losing power completely, forcing the evacuation of 75 patients.
- Infrastructure: Roads were blocked by fallen trees and utility poles, and residential and commercial properties suffered major damage. Part of the roof at St. Elizabeth Technical High School was ripped off by the winds.
- Power Outages: The majority of the island was left without electricity due to downed power lines.
The Jamaican government has stated it hopes to reopen all airports as early as Thursday to facilitate the distribution of emergency relief supplies.
Impact on Cuba
In Cuba, the hurricane tore off roofs and uprooted trees. Forecasters warned of catastrophic damage in Santiago de Cuba and surrounding areas. Michael Brennan, director of the U.S. National Hurricane Center, warned that "numerous landslides are likely" due to the heavy rainfall.
The storm is expected to generate a storm surge of up to 3.6 meters and drop as much as 51 centimeters of rain in parts of eastern Cuba. This weather event could severely worsen Cuba's existing economic crisis, which has already led to power blackouts, as well as fuel and food shortages.
Human Cost and Response
The human toll of Hurricane Melissa has been significant. The storm is being blamed for at least seven deaths across the Caribbean. This includes three in Jamaica, three in Haiti, and one in the Dominican Republic, where another person is still missing. In Jamaica, one of the reported fatalities was a baby who died after a tree fell in the western part of the island.
In response to the widespread devastation, international aid is being mobilized. The U.S. government announced it was deploying a disaster response team and search-and-rescue personnel to the region to assist with recovery efforts.
What Happens Next?
As Hurricane Melissa moves on toward the Bahamas, the focus in Jamaica and Cuba shifts to recovery. The immediate priorities are restoring power, clearing roads, and providing shelter and aid to those affected. The long-term challenge will be rebuilding homes, infrastructure, and livelihoods, particularly in agricultural regions that have been severely impacted.
The declaration of a "disaster area" in Jamaica allows the government to utilize specific tools to manage its response and begin the arduous process of rebuilding. For Cuba, the hurricane represents another significant blow to an already struggling economy. Both nations will require substantial support from the international community as they navigate the difficult road to recovery.
