Hurricane Melissa

Hurricane Melissa, one of the strongest storms on record to hit the Caribbean, made landfall in Jamaica in October 2025, causing widespread devastation. The disaster has triggered a significant humanitarian crisis, with hundreds of thousands affected. Jamaica is now undertaking a major recovery and reconstruction effort, supported by $6.7 billion in funding from international agencies. Tourism, a vital part of Jamaica's economy, has been severely impacted, prompting efforts to reopen hotels before the winter travel season. The UK has pledged £7.5m in emergency funds and is facing calls to provide further aid and humanitarian visas to Jamaicans. The hurricane underscores the increasing economic impact of natural disasters, contributing to the $220 billion in global economic losses attributed to such events in 2025.