The Latest Breaking News from Jamaica

When a hurricane strikes, the first images we see are of roofs ripped off, trees uprooted and streets turned into rivers. But the psychological toll is just as real, and it often lasts far longer than the physical damage. In countries such as Jamaica, each storm hits communities that are…

Hurricane Melissa made landfall in southwest Jamaica this week near the coastal town of Black River, which the government has described as “ground zero.”

Hurricane Melissa, one of the most powerful ever recorded, tore through the Caribbean, with scientists pointing to climate change as a key factor behind the storm’s intensity.

Experts estimate that Melissa was about 10 per cent stronger because of climate change.

Satellite imagery showed widespread power outages across Jamaica following Hurricane Melissa on Thursday, 30 October.

Category 5 storm is most powerful to strike Jamaica and has caused death and destruction in Cuba and Haiti

Melissa came ashore in Jamaica as a category five hurricane on Tuesday, carrying top winds of 185mph.

Bermuda closed down its schools and ferries ahead of the storm’s impact on Thursday night

South Florida was spared a direct blow from Hurricane Melissa, but the massive storm still hit home for the millions of residents there who have deep roots in the Caribbean

Government officials have announced that the United States is sending rescue and response teams, along with critical lifesaving supplies in order to alleviate the humanitarian crisis that Category 5 Melissa caused in the Caribbean.

Across Jamaica, streets are littered with torn-off roofs, splintered wood and other debris left in the wake of Hurricane Melissa. Downed power lines have left communities in the dark, and many flooded and wind-damaged homes are unlivable.