Apocalypse Jamaica Island, Record-Breaking Hurricane aftermath

Apocalypse Jamaica Island, Record-Breaking Hurricane aftermath

Jamaica lies in ruins after Hurricane Melissa, the most powerful storm to hit the island in living memory, tore across the Caribbean with winds of 185 mph and torrential rain that left entire towns flattened and thousands of tourists stranded.

New aerial images show obliterated homes, submerged streets, and entire coastal communities wiped out as the Category 5 monster storm ripped through Jamaica’s western parishes. Prime Minister Andrew Holness said up to 90% of roofs were destroyed in the Black River region, while hospitals, libraries, and police stations were “obliterated.”

At least five people are confirmed dead in Jamaica’s St. Elizabeth parish, with the death toll rising to 25 in neighboring Haiti. Three-quarters of Jamaica remains without electricity as flooding and landslides cut off roads, isolating communities from rescue efforts.

Residents describe scenes of terror as Melissa roared ashore Tuesday evening.

“I just heard a sound, and the roof started to tear off,” said George “Larry” Brown, 68. “Gilbert is no match to this.” His neighbor Kayan Davis said her roof lifted into the air before midnight: “I have nowhere to sleep.”

Meteorologists say Melissa tied the 1935 Labor Day Hurricane as the most intense Atlantic storm to make landfall, matching its devastating pressure levels. By Wednesday night, it had battered Cuba and Haiti and was tracking toward the Bahamas and Bermuda, leaving a trail of catastrophic loss across the Caribbean.

Key Takeaways:

• Historic Destruction: Hurricane Melissa is the strongest storm ever to hit Jamaica, with 185 mph winds.

• Widespread Devastation: Up to 90% of homes in some areas destroyed; power out across 75% of the island.

• Regional Impact: At least 30 dead across the Caribbean as the storm moves toward Bermuda.

Source: [Daily Mail / AFP / Jamaica Gleaner]