Jamaica is grappling with the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa, which made landfall as a Category 5 storm on October 28, 2025, unleashing catastrophic winds, torrential rain, and widespread destruction across the island. The storm, described by meteorologists and officials as the “storm of the century,” has uprooted trees, blown in windows, and forced authorities to issue urgent warnings about displaced crocodiles amid severe flooding.
The hurricane struck Jamaica’s southwestern coast, particularly affecting the parishes of St. Elizabeth, Westmoreland, and St. Catherine, bringing maximum sustained winds of up to 175 mph (280 km/h) and gusts potentially reaching 200 mph in mountainous areas. The U.S. National Hurricane Center warned of a life-threatening storm surge rising between nine and thirteen feet, urging residents to stay indoors and seek safe shelter as the eye of the storm passed over the island.
“The primary concern at this moment is for the southwestern and central areas of the island, particularly vital agricultural regions likely to experience the worst of the storm,” said Jamaica’s Minister of Industry, Investment, and Commerce. Local reports from St. Elizabeth High School indicated severe damage, including multiple roofs torn off buildings and structural failures, confirming the scale of destruction caused by the storm’s ferocity.
Living up to its reputation, Hurricane Melissa dumped unprecedented rainfall, with totals expected to exceed 70 centimeters (27.5 inches), roughly double the usual rainy season amount. This resulted in extensive flash flooding, landslides, and disruptions to power and water services. Approximately 240,000 homes were reported without electricity, mainly in southern parishes where the hurricane made landfall.
In an unusual and alarming development, the South East Regional Health Authority (SERHA) issued warnings that flooding had displaced crocodiles from their natural habitats in rivers, gullies, and wetlands, pushing the reptiles into residential areas in search of dry ground. SERHA advised residents near these habitats to exercise extreme caution, avoid floodwaters, and keep children and pets away from inundated areas where crocodiles could be present. The authority urged the public not to attempt capturing or harming the crocodiles for safety reasons.
“I’ve never seen anything like this before,” said an eyewitness from Portmore Pines, where the iconic “Tree of Knowledge” was uprooted by the hurricane’s powerful winds. “The wind was relentless, and now with the flooding, people are scared not just of the storm but what might come with it,” the resident added.
Authorities have responded by opening over 800 shelters island-wide to accommodate evacuees and are preparing for relief efforts once the storm subsides. Prime Minister Andrew Holness emphasized the unprecedented nature of the disaster, stating, “There is no infrastructure in the region capable of withstanding a Category 5 hurricane. We ask everyone to remain patient and vigilant as we work to recover and rebuild.”
As Hurricane Melissa moves away toward Cuba, Jamaica faces the daunting task of assessing the full extent of the damage and beginning recovery efforts. Residents are advised to avoid floodwaters, heed official warnings, and stay informed through local channels.
Summary and Next Steps:
Jamaica is currently dealing with the aftermath of the most powerful hurricane in recent memory, featuring violent winds, severe flooding, and the unique threat of displaced crocodiles. Immediate priorities include restoring power, ensuring the safety of displaced persons, and managing flood risks. Experts recommend heightened community vigilance in the coming days, particularly in areas prone to flooding and crocodile habitation. Recovery efforts are expected to be long and challenging, with government and international aid set to play a critical role in rebuilding the affected regions.
This historic storm underscores the increasing intensity of hurricanes in the Caribbean region and the urgent need for enhanced preparedness and resilient infrastructure to mitigate future disasters.
