St. Elizabeth Parish, southwestern Jamaica, is the first to be struck by Category 5 Hurricane Melissa. Winds of 185 mph (295 km/h) are tearing through the area, causing severe flooding and destruction.

 

Widespread flooding across Jamaica following Hurricane Melissa's landfall today.

They've got a long road ahead for recovery after an impact like that....#Jamaica #Hurricane #hurricanemelissa #flooding #BlackRiver #kingston #melissa #MontegoBay pic.twitter.com/yOYDWBDltQ

— Mrgunsngear (@Mrgunsngear) October 29, 2025

Hurricane Melissa, a rare Category 5 storm, struck Jamaica on October 29, 2025, unleashing catastrophic winds up to 300 km/h and flash flooding that trapped families and caused at least three deaths, per reports from Reuters and The Guardian.

The post's video compiles unrelated flooding clips from various global events, including Mexican scenes identifiable by "Policía Municipal" vehicles and Liverpool department stores, rather than authentic Jamaican footage.

Community replies predominantly call out the post as deceptive for engagement, urging verification amid genuine recovery challenges in areas like Kingston and Montego Bay.

 

Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm, struck Jamaica on October 29, 2025, causing significant devastation. Here are the details of the damage:

• Wind Speeds and Impact: The hurricane brought sustained winds of up to 185 mph (300 km/h), with gusts reaching an unprecedented 241 mph inside the storm, as recorded by Hurricane Hunters. These winds caused extensive structural damage, particularly in Montego Bay, where the eye of the storm made landfall.
• Flooding and Storm Surge: Torrential rains led to flash flooding across the island, with storm surges reaching up to 20 feet. This flooding swallowed entire neighborhoods, particularly in low-lying areas and along the southwestern coast. The flooding was exacerbated by Melissa's slow movement, which prolonged the rainfall and increased the risk of landslides.
• Deaths and Injuries: At least three deaths were reported in Jamaica before the storm made landfall, with the possibility of more as rescue efforts continued. The rugged terrain and defiance of evacuation orders complicated rescue operations.
• Infrastructure Damage: The storm caused widespread power outages, affecting "hundreds of thousands" of people due to high winds and downed power lines. The main airport in Kingston remained closed, delaying aid flights. Telecommunications were also severely disrupted.
• Evacuations and Preparations: Prime Minister Andrew Holness ordered the evacuation of several vulnerable communities. School buses were used to ferry people to shelters, but the scale of the evacuation was challenged by the island's terrain and some residents' reluctance to leave their homes.
• Global Response: Support included free Starlink internet services provided by Elon Musk through the end of November to aid recovery efforts. Pledges of assistance came from figures like Usain Bolt and Jamal Murray, highlighting international solidarity.
• Long-term Recovery: The damage was described as significant, with a long road ahead for recovery. The storm's impact on Jamaica's economy and infrastructure will likely require extensive rebuilding efforts, given the catastrophic nature of the event.

This hurricane marked Jamaica's deadliest storm in nearly two centuries, with the combination of extreme winds, flooding, and landslides posing severe threats to life and property.

Jamaica's hurricane preparedness for Hurricane Melissa, which struck on October 29, 2025, involved a multi-faceted approach to mitigate the impact of the Category 5 storm. Here are the key elements of their preparedness:

• Evacuation Orders: Prime Minister Andrew Holness signed a compulsory evacuation order for several communities along the south coast, particularly in flood-prone areas. This was aimed at moving residents to safer locations, with school buses used to transport people to nearly 900 shelters across the island. Despite these efforts, some residents chose to stay, influenced by a deep faith and past experiences where hurricanes had veered away.
• Shelter Operations: Over 130 shelters were opened, but fewer than 1,000 people initially sought refuge in them, causing concern among government officials. Efforts were made to encourage more residents to use these facilities, especially in vulnerable areas.
• Infrastructure Preparedness: Critical infrastructure, including the main international airport in Kingston and power plants, was identified as at risk due to its coastal location. Preparations included moving guests to higher floors in hotels, battening down structures, trimming trees, and clearing out boats to reduce potential damage.
• Communication and Warnings: The Meteorological Service of Jamaica, led by Director Evan Thompson, issued warnings about the storm's rapid intensification and potential for catastrophic flash flooding and landslides. The US National Hurricane Center also provided detailed forecasts, predicting up to 30 inches of rain in eastern Jamaica and significant storm surges.
• Community Engagement: Local leaders and residents, like Desrick Kenton in Portland, took personal initiatives to prepare, such as heading to shelters when conditions worsened. However, cultural factors, including a strong faith in divine protection, influenced some to remain in place despite official warnings.
• International Support: Anticipating the need for extensive recovery, international support was mobilized. Elon Musk offered free Starlink internet services to aid communication during and after the storm, and figures like Usain Bolt and Jamal Murray pledged assistance for recovery efforts.

Despite these preparations, the unprecedented strength and slow movement of Hurricane Melissa overwhelmed many of these measures, leading to significant damage and challenges in the aftermath. The combination of extreme weather conditions and the island's rugged terrain made it particularly difficult to ensure comprehensive safety for all residents.