Devastation has become Jamaica’s unwelcome companion. Hurricane Melissa ripped through the island yesterday with unprecedented 185 mph winds, battering Kingston and surrounding parishes with a fury that locals say makes Gilbert look like a gentle breeze.
Gilbert, which struck in 1988 and was previously considered the island’s worst hurricane, caused 17 fatalities. Melissa’s toll? Still counting.
The monster storm has already shattered records. While Jamaica’s earliest documented hurricane in 1559 killed 11 people, early reports suggest Melissa’s death count could easily surpass that.
Rescue operations continue despite floodwaters reaching absurd heights – some areas reporting water levels above 30 feet. Yeah, you read that right.
Infrastructure damage is catastrophic. Recent storms like Beryl (2024) caused $204 million in damages, but officials estimate Melissa’s destruction will dwarf that figure.
Power? Gone. Communication? Spotty at best. Nearly 60% of the population sits in darkness tonight, wondering when – or if – electricity will return.
Housing took a brutal hit. Thousands of homes are simply gone. Vanished. Others stand as skeletons of their former selves.
Agricultural areas? Decimated. Banana plantations that survived 2007’s Hurricane Dean ($23 billion in damages) now lie flattened and worthless.
Rainfall measurements are off the charts. While Nicole’s flooding in 2008 was considered severe, Melissa dumped over 12 inches in some areas within hours.
Flash flooding has isolated entire communities. Roads? Impassable. Bridges? Collapsed.
The human toll grows by the hour. Like with Rafael earlier this year, vehicles swept away by raging waters account for multiple deaths. Structural collapses have trapped unknown numbers beneath debris.
Jamaica’s resilience has been tested before. But Melissa? This is different.
Meteorologists note this devastating event falls during Jamaica’s hurricane season peak, typically occurring between August and September when tropical waves are guided by the Azores High.
As one Kingston resident put it while staring at the remains of his home: “We’ve weathered storms before, but this one? This one came straight from hell.”
