Hurricane Melissa has been confirmed as the strongest storm ever to hit Jamaica, prompting the government to declare the island a disaster zone, and leaving catastrophic damage and widespread power outages across the country.

Jamaica is reeling from the impact of Hurricane Melissa, the most powerful storm to strike the island since records began. The Category Five hurricane made landfall on Monday with winds of up to 185 miles per hour, leaving a trail of destruction that officials have described as catastrophic.

According to the National Hurricane Center, Hurricane Melissa formed in the central Caribbean late last week before rapidly strengthening over unusually warm waters. By Sunday evening, it had intensified into a Category Five storm on the Saffir–Simpson scale, making it one of the most powerful systems ever recorded in the region.

Entire communities have been left without power, and many homes have been flattened by the intense winds. Roads have been blocked by fallen trees and debris, and severe flooding has cut off several towns in the southern and western parts of the island.

According to Jamaica’s Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management, more than half a million people were left without electricity at the height of the storm. Communication lines have been disrupted in parts of St Elizabeth, Manchester and Clarendon, where some of the heaviest rainfall and flooding occurred.

Early reports confirmed at least three deaths linked to the hurricane, though officials have warned that the toll could rise once more areas become accessible. Emergency shelters were opened across the country, housing thousands of residents who were forced to flee their homes as winds ripped through the island overnight.

The World Meteorological Organization described Hurricane Melissa as Jamaica’s strongest storm this century. It rapidly intensified as it approached the island, fuelled by record-high sea surface temperatures in the Caribbean. Meteorologists say the speed of the storm’s development is another example of how climate change is making extreme weather more dangerous and unpredictable.

Authorities in Kingston said that while the capital experienced heavy rain and strong winds, the worst damage occurred along the southern coast. Videos verified by local media showed flooded streets, collapsed houses and cars swept away by rising water levels. In St Elizabeth, one of the hardest-hit parishes, entire farmlands were destroyed, raising concerns about food shortages in the coming months.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness addressed the nation after the storm passed, urging calm as recovery efforts begin. He confirmed that the government has requested international assistance and said several partner countries, including the United Kingdom and Canada, have already pledged support for relief operations.

The National Works Agency has begun clearing blocked roads, while the Jamaica Public Service Company is working to restore electricity. However, officials say it could take weeks for full power to return in some rural areas. Relief organisations, including the Red Cross and Food For The Poor, are distributing supplies to affected families and coordinating with local volunteers.

Across social media, people have been sharing updates, photos and messages of solidarity with the Jamaican people. Hashtags such as #PrayForJamaica and #HurricaneMelissa have been trending as the global community reacts to the scale of the disaster. Caribbean leaders have also expressed condolences and offered help, with several nations preparing to send aid.

Meteorologists have now confirmed that Hurricane Melissa has weakened slightly as it moves towards Cuba, but forecasters warn that heavy rainfall and flash flooding could still pose risks in parts of the northern Caribbean.

As rescue and recovery continue, the focus has turned to rebuilding and long-term planning. Experts say Jamaica’s experience with Hurricane Melissa should serve as a wake-up call for stronger infrastructure and better disaster preparedness in the face of more frequent and intense tropical storms.

The full impact is still being assessed, but one thing is clear: Hurricane Melissa has changed Jamaica forever.