Hurricane Melissa Leaves Jamaica with Over $6 Billion in Losses

Jamaica is grappling with unprecedented economic devastation following Hurricane Melissa, which struck the island on October 28, 2025. The Category 4 storm ravaged the nation’s most productive regions, leaving a trail of destruction estimated at $6 to $7 billion—equivalent to nearly 30% of Jamaica’s GDP. Prime Minister Andrew Holness described the catastrophe as a dual crisis, impacting both humanitarian needs and economic stability. Key industries such as agriculture, tourism, and small businesses were among the hardest hit, with thousands of homes destroyed and critical infrastructure severely damaged. The storm’s impact has reignited urgent calls for global climate action, particularly as Jamaica and other developing nations—despite contributing minimally to global emissions—bear the brunt of climate-related disasters. As the international community prepares for COP30, the devastation in Jamaica underscores the dire consequences of inaction and the pressing need for accountability, funding, and sustainable solutions.