Hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica as a catastrophic Category 5 storm, unleashing winds of up to 185 mph and becoming the strongest hurricane ever recorded to hit the island.
The devastation was vast, with initial reports of over 50 fatalities across the Caribbean, including at least 19 confirmed deaths in Jamaica alone, and many areas rendered unaccessible due to flooding and debris.
Widespread power outages affected more than 70% of the island's electrical customers, leaving communities in darkness as they battled the aftermath of the storm.
The storm caused significant destruction to infrastructure, homes, and agriculture, leading to dire challenges for residents who faced monumental cleanup and recovery efforts.
Local leaders and officials underscored the urgency of relief efforts, calling for donations and support to aid those impacted by the disaster and emphasizing the ongoing search and rescue operations.
The event underscored the increasing threat of climate-related disasters in the Caribbean, highlighting the need for improved preparedness and response strategies in the face of future storms.