Hurricane Melissa Unleashes Devastation in Eastern Cuba After Pounding Jamaica

Hurricane Melissa Strikes Eastern Cuba

Hurricane Melissa made landfall in eastern Cuba on October 29, 2025, as an 'extremely dangerous' Category 3 storm, bringing destructive winds, torrential rains, and significant storm surge. The powerful hurricane struck near the city of Chivirico, leading to widespread damage across the region, particularly in the province of Santiago de Cuba.

Cuban authorities had initiated extensive preparations, evacuating approximately 735,000 people from vulnerable areas in eastern Cuba, including the provinces of Granma, Santiago de Cuba, Guantánamo, Holguín, and Las Tunas. President Miguel Díaz-Canel acknowledged the severity of the situation, stating on social media, 'It has been a very complex early morning.' He added, 'As soon as conditions allow, we will begin the recovery. We are ready,' while urging citizens to 'not let their guard down.'

Extensive Damage and Humanitarian Impact

The hurricane's passage resulted in considerable destruction across eastern Cuba. Reports indicate widespread damage to infrastructure, including collapsed walls, torn-off roofs, and uprooted trees. The Juan Bruno Zayas Clinical Hospital in Santiago de Cuba sustained severe damage, with glass scattered and waiting rooms in ruins. Heavy rainfall was a major concern, with forecasts predicting up to 20 inches (51 centimeters) in parts of eastern Cuba and potentially up to 25 inches in mountainous areas. The National Institute of Hydraulic Resources reported significant accumulations, including 15 inches in Charco Redondo and 14 inches in Las Villas Reservoir. A storm surge of up to 12 feet (3.6 meters) was also anticipated.

The storm's impact is expected to exacerbate Cuba's existing economic challenges, potentially leading to prolonged power blackouts, as well as fuel and food shortages.

Jamaica Endures Catastrophic Blow

Prior to reaching Cuba, Hurricane Melissa unleashed catastrophic damage on Jamaica. It made landfall on October 28, 2025, as a fearsome Category 5 hurricane, with maximum sustained winds of 185 mph (298 km/h). Described as one of the strongest Atlantic hurricanes on record and the most intense tropical cyclone to hit Jamaica in nearly two centuries, Melissa left much of the island without communications and power.

The devastation in Jamaica included:

• Widespread power outages, affecting over 530,000 customers.
• Extensive damage to homes, with many roofs torn off and entire neighborhoods submerged.
• Significant flooding and landslides, particularly in the southwestern parish of St. Elizabeth, where the town of Santa Cruz was severely impacted.
• Damage to critical infrastructure, including four hospitals, with 75 patients evacuated from one facility.

Jamaica's Prime Minister Andrew Holness declared the country a 'disaster area' on October 28. Casualties have been reported across the affected Caribbean nations, with at least 23 deaths in Haiti, four in Jamaica, and one in the Dominican Republic.

Melissa's Continued Path

After traversing Cuba, Hurricane Melissa weakened to a Category 2 storm as it continued its path northeastward. The storm is now expected to move towards the Bahamas and Bermuda, with hurricane warnings remaining in effect for these areas.