Jamaica is reeling from the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm that struck the island on Tuesday with wind speeds reaching up to 295 km/h. The hurricane unleashed torrential floods, powerful gusts that ripped roofs off buildings, and triggered landslides, claiming at least three lives and leaving tens of thousands without power. Prime Minister Andrew Holness emphasized the unprecedented strength of the storm, stating that no infrastructure could withstand such force and that recovery efforts would be monumental. The southwestern region, particularly St. Elizabeth, bore the brunt of the destruction, with widespread flooding and severe damage reported. Many families were trapped in their homes as emergency services struggled to navigate the perilous conditions. Approximately 15,000 people sought refuge in shelters, while 77% of households were left without electricity. Four major hospitals sustained damage, with one losing power entirely, necessitating the evacuation of 75 patients. Hurricane Melissa set multiple records, with a barometric pressure of 892 millibars and wind speeds of 298 km/h, rivaling historic storms like the 1935 Labor Day hurricane and Hurricane Dorian in 2019. The storm also generated life-threatening storm surges of up to 4 meters. As Melissa moved toward Cuba on Tuesday evening, Cuban authorities braced for heavy rainfall of up to 51 centimeters and significant coastal flooding. President Miguel Díaz-Canel urged citizens not to underestimate the storm’s power, and thousands were evacuated from eastern provinces. The U.S. Defense Department released footage from Hurricane Hunter flights, which provided critical data to the National Hurricane Center. The storm claimed seven lives across the Caribbean, including three in Jamaica. Jamaican officials warned of ongoing dangers, such as the potential displacement of crocodiles due to flooding, and prepared boats and helicopters for rescue operations post-storm. International aid organizations are poised to deliver food, medicine, and other emergency supplies. Jamaica’s airports are expected to reopen by Thursday, contingent on damage assessments.