Hurricane Melissa Approaches Jamaica

MASX
19 hours ago
4 min read

The Storm & Its Magnitude

In late October 2025, the tropical cyclone now known as Hurricane Melissa rapidly intensified and headed straight for the island of Jamaica. Initially monitored on October 16 as a tropical wave, Melissa became a named storm on October 21. Over the days that followed, the system moved slowly over very warm Caribbean waters and underwent extreme rapid intensification, reaching Category 5 strength with sustained winds estimated around 160 mph (≈257 km/h) as it neared landfall.

Meteorologists characterised the looming impact on Jamaica as possibly the most catastrophic storm the island has ever faced.

Why the Danger Is Particularly High

Several factors combined to make this situation especially threatening:

Slow movement: Melissa’s forward speed had dropped to only a few mph, meaning Jamaica would endure prolonged exposure to wind, rain and surge.
Triple-threat of hazards: The island faced a mix of destructive winds, massive rainfall (leading to flooding and landslides) and storm surge/coastal inundation.
Infrastructure vulnerability: Many coastal airports, low-lying communities and inland mountain roads are especially exposed; the island being relatively small means the storm’s full breadth could affect much of it.
Climatic context: The unusually warm Caribbean waters and weak steering currents set favourable conditions for the storm’s intensification—a pattern consistent with broader climate-change-linked risks.

Preparations & The Human Response

The government of Jamaica, along with meteorological and emergency services, issued warnings and activations:

Evacuation orders were issued for certain vulnerable coastal areas and communities.
Over 800 shelters were opened across the island ahead of landfall.
Transportation services (buses, airports) were suspended in parts; citizens were urged to secure property, gather supplies.
In some communities however, evacuation uptake was slower than desired due to concerns (such as looting or lack of transport).

Projected Impacts on Jamaica

Though full assessments are still unfolding, the projected impacts are formidable:

Wind damage: With Category 5 strength, large‐scale destruction of roofs, trees, power lines, and infrastructure was expected.
Rainfall & flooding: Some areas could receive up to 30 inches (≈760 mm) or more of rain, triggering flash floods and landslides especially in mountainous parishes.
Storm surge & coastal flooding: Coastal communities along the south/south-west of the island were considered most at risk of surge and large waves.
Disruption of services: Power outages, communications breakdowns, damage to roads and bridges were anticipated, possibly cutting off communities for days.

What This Means for Jamaica & The Region

This event carries broader significance:

It underscores the growing risk of intensifying tropical cyclones in the Caribbean basin—storms are not only getting stronger but also moving more slowly, increasing potential damage.
For Jamaica, which has faced major storms before (such as Hurricane Gilbert in 1988), the scale and timing of Melissa could push the island’s resilience systems to the limit.
The aftermath will likely involve considerable recovery efforts—not just rebuilding infrastructure, but restoring livelihoods (especially agriculture, fisheries, tourism) and ensuring vulnerable populations are supported.
The regional impact matters: as Melissa moves on toward other islands (e.g., Cuba, Bahamas), the preparation in Jamaica sets the tone for neighbouring nations.

Take-Away Message & Tips for Residents

Heed official warnings immediately: Even if you’ve weathered storms before, this one demands full preparation.
Secure your home and immediate surroundings: Remove loose items, board windows, ensure drainage paths are clear.
Stock essential supplies: Drinking water, food for several days, medications, flashlights, radio (battery powered).
Have an evacuation plan: Know your nearest shelter, transport options, what to take if told to leave.
After the storm: Stay off roads until cleared, avoid flooded rivers/canals, check on neighbours (especially elderly or isolated), report downed power lines.

What can you do to help?

🩵 1. Support Reputable Relief Organizations

Donate (money, not goods unless specifically requested) to trusted groups already on the ground or mobilizing aid. Examples include:

Jamaica Red Cross – coordinates emergency relief and shelter management.
Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) – Jamaica’s main disaster-response body.
Food for the Poor Jamaica – provides food, water, and rebuilding support.
Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) – regional coordination of relief.
UNICEF or the Salvation Army – often assist with displaced families and children.

Tip: Always check the organization’s official site or social media for verified donation links — avoid GoFundMe pages or unverified fundraisers unless confirmed legitimate.

🚢 2. Send Supplies Through Official Channels

Once ports and airports reopen, relief agencies may request:

Bottled water, non-perishable food
Hygiene kits (soap, sanitary products, diapers)
Blankets, flashlights, batteries
Building materials (later, for reconstruction)

Only send these through official collection drives or embassies — uncoordinated shipments can clog logistics.

📣 3. Amplify Verified Information

Help combat misinformation by sharing accurate updates from official sources like:

@MetServiceJA (Jamaica Meteorological Service)
@ODPEM (Disaster Management Authority)
@JamaicaConstabularyForceSpreading credible info helps keep families abroad informed and ensures resources go where they’re truly needed.

🤝 4. Support Diaspora & Community Efforts

If you’re part of the Jamaican diaspora, local churches, student groups, and associations often run verified relief campaigns. You can also help organize virtual fundraisers or coordinate shipment drives once conditions allow.

💡 5. Long-Term: Help Rebuild Smarter

Once the immediate crisis passes, Jamaica will need help rebuilding homes, farms, schools, and tourism infrastructure. Supporting resilient rebuilding — such as hurricane-resistant housing or renewable energy — can make a lasting difference.

At this time, our thoughts and prayers go out to Jamaica. May they weather this storm and its aftermath with the grace and resilience that the Jamaican people are known for.