🌪️ Jamaica Declares National Disaster as Hurricane Melissa Ravages the Island

 Jamaica is facing one of its darkest hours in recent memory as Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm, tears across the island with devastating force. With wind speeds surpassing 185 miles per hour, torrential rains, and massive storm surges, Melissa has left entire communities underwater and the nation’s infrastructure in crisis.

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A Catastrophe Unfolding

Prime Minister Andrew Holness declared a national disaster early Wednesday morning, urging residents to remain sheltered as emergency services battle extreme conditions. Initial reports indicate widespread power outages, collapsed homes, and blocked roadways, especially along the southern coast and central parishes.

Meteorologists describe Hurricane Melissa as the most powerful storm to ever hit Jamaica, surpassing even Hurricane Gilbert of 1988 in wind intensity. Coastal towns such as Kingston, Portmore, and Montego Bay have sustained heavy damage, with local authorities warning of potential landslides and flash flooding.

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International Response Mobilizing

The United States, Canada, and several Caribbean neighbors have pledged immediate humanitarian assistance. Relief agencies are preparing emergency supplies — food, water, and medical aid — while the Jamaican Defence Force works tirelessly to reach stranded families in hard-hit areas.

The U.S. State Department has confirmed plans to send aircraft and naval support to assist with disaster recovery, following requests from Jamaica’s government.

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A Nation in Shock

As images of destruction flood social media, stories of resilience and community spirit are emerging. Volunteers and first responders continue to risk their lives rescuing people trapped in flooded homes and vehicles.

Prime Minister Holness called the hurricane “a national tragedy that will test Jamaica’s strength, unity, and resilience.”

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The Road Ahead

Meteorologists warn that Melissa may continue to bring heavy rainfall and flood risks over the next 48 hours as it moves northwest toward Cuba and the Bahamas. For Jamaica, recovery will take time — and international support will be crucial.

Despite the devastation, the Jamaican spirit endures. As one local official said, “We may be battered, but we are not broken.”