Category 5
Category 5 hurricanes are the most devastated hurricanes, because of their lightning
speed and intensity. They normally travel at a speed of 140 mph to 150 mph. However, on October 25,2025, Hurricane Melissa detonated atomic force winds that literally obliterated western Jamaica. Meteorologists estimated its unprecedented wind speed at 187 mph. Also, climate scientists asserted that sections of the horrific hurricane had the highest wind gust ever recorded by dropsonde data, with a blistering speed of 252 mph at an altitude of 657 ft (200m), exceeding the record set by Typhoon Megi in 2010. This phenomenon, exacerbated by storm surge catapulted the sea inland, flooding many communities.
The share force of hurricane Mellisa spared nothing in its reign of terror. It shed leaves on thousands of trees, uprooted giant trees, demolished wooden and concrete utility poles leaving (large areas in) many parishes without electricity, which ensues darkness at night. The hurricane also destroyed roads, claimed the lives of dozens of people and countless livestock; even huge cows were hoisted and slammed against trees by the bellowing winds, that also sailed packed forty-foot containers, as if they were kicking soccer balls. The aftermath directly affected over one million Jamaicans, in the worst affected parishes of St. Elizabeth, Westmoreland, Hanover, St. James, Manchester, and St. Ann. Hence, many Jamaicans are homeless.
Hence, tens of thousands of Jamaicans are completely homeless or in need of building materials to repair their severely damage homes, many of which are without roofs. Many Jamaicans are in dire need of water, food, and clothing. In an alarming post hurricane briefing in Jamaica’s parliament, Prime Minister the honorable Andrew Holness stated that hurricane Mellissa’s devastation is estimated at eight point nine billion US dollars, which represents forty one percent of the island’s 2024 GDP. While no developing nation has the capacity to adequately respond to the scale of such a devastation, it is widely believed that the government’s response should have been quicker and more comprehensive. This fiasco has been intensified by members of the government and opposition regular feud in parliament on hurricane relief matters, while the affected Jamaican multitude continue to languish in misery.
Subsequently, the nation is thankful for the Jamaican celebrities, local individuals and organizations for acquiring resources and making selfless contributions to the affected masses. For instance, the local registered non-profit organization, Personal and Community Empowerment Builder (PCEB), which is geared to attract funding and sponsorships to improve conditions among indigent individuals sprang into action to help alleviate the aforementioned, unparalleled humanitarian crisis. Since the monumental destruction and desperate appeal for help, PCEB has marshaled assistance to supply hundreds of boxed cook food and care packages on weekends to the destitute masses in sections of St, Elizabeth and Westmoreland. The fact that tens of thousands of Jamaicans are homeless and uncertain where their next meal is coming from, is the reason why PCEB is requesting donations to increase its activities to reach many more people in the affected parishes to help ameliorate the crisis.
