‘Storm of the century’: record-breaking Hurricane Melissa hits Jamaica and heads for Cuba

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 6 min read 100% complete by Natricia Duncan in Kingston, Anthony Lugg in Portland, Tom Phillips and Oliver HolmesOctober 29, 2025 at 06:27 AM

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Hurricane Melissa made landfall as a category 5 storm in Jamaica and is moving towards Cuba as a category 4 hurricane. In Jamaica, it caused severe damage including landslides, flooding, and power outages affecting over half a million people without electricity. Minister Desmond Mckenzie reported extensive damage to the southwestern parish of St Elizabeth, described as "the breadbasket" of the country. Emergency services struggled to reach trapped families due to dangerous conditions. The prime minister declared Jamaica a disaster area due to widespread flooding and infrastructure damage. Cuba’s president warned of a “very difficult night” ahead for Santiago de Cuba. The US National Hurricane Center predicts Melissa will remain powerful as it moves across Cuba, the Bahamas, and near Bermuda.

Key Topics & Entities

Desmond Mckenzie ×260% Jamaica ×570% Cuba ×380% Hurricane Melissa ×10100%

Keywords

hurricane melissa 100% category 5 storm 90% jamaica 80% cuba 75% flood waters 60% landslides 60% infrastructure damage 55% storm shelters 50% disaster area 45% power outages 40%