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CatastropheJamaica

Jamaica braces for Category 5 Hurricane Melissa

01:51

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Killian Bayer
October 27, 2025

With sustained winds of 260 kilometers per hour, Melissa is expected to make landfall early on Tuesday. Mandatory evacuation orders have been issued for several parts of the island and residents are being told to head to shelters. Forecasters are warning of catastrophic flooding, landslides and extensive damage.

Hurricane Melissa is approaching Jamaica, bringing heavy rain and strong winds. Authorities warn of flash flooding as the slow-moving storm nears landfall — the strongest since records began in 1851. Residents are boarding up homes and stocking supplies, while supermarkets run empty. Neighboring countries like the Dominican Republic face torrential rains and landslides, with communities cut off and resupplied by drones.

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