Video filmed by X user Hester Prynne captures Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm with 160 mph winds, striking Jamaica’s southern coast on October 28, 2025. The storm’s slow pace dumped 200–300 millimeters of rain in just 24 hours, triggering catastrophic flash floods across St. Elizabeth parish.

By midday, the Black River overflowed, turning streets into violent torrents. Neighborhoods including Brigade Street and areas near Bakery and Juici Beef were submerged under one to two meters of muddy water. Homes, gas stations, and the local hospital were flooded, halting emergency care.

The Santa Cruz Bypass between Black River and Mandeville became a debris-choked river, stranding vehicles as bridges and roads collapsed. Power outages left thousands without electricity.

Authorities confirmed at least three deaths in Jamaica, part of thirteen fatalities across the region, including victims in Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Dozens were rescued from rooftops and attics. Over 500 people were evacuated, while the National Disaster Risk Management Authority opened shelters, though blocked roads slowed relief efforts.

Melissa’s sluggish 5 mph movement amplified rainfall, making this one of Jamaica’s worst disasters since Hurricane Gilbert in 1988. Cleanup operations began on October 29 as international aid from the U.S. and CARICOM mobilized toward the island.