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Last updated 31 Mar 2026

Caribbean: Hurricane Melissa 2025

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Damaged buildings in Kingston Jamaica in aftermath of Hurricane Melissa
Deron Levy/Shutterstock

Introduction

Hurricane Melissa was a Category 5 storm that devastated communities across Jamaica, Cuba and Haiti in October 2025. First making landfall on the south coast of Jamaica, Melissa was one of the most powerful landfalling hurricanes ever recorded, bringing extreme winds, torrential rainfall, and life-threatening storm surges to coastal areas. The following day, Melissa weakened to a - still incredibly dangerous - Category 3 hurricane before striking Cuba, whilst also bringing heavy rain and flooding to the neighbouring countries of the Dominican Republic and Haiti.

Hurricane Melissa was also unique in its rapid intensification, developing from a moderate storm to a major hurricane with 170mph winds within a single day. 

Explore resources on Hurricane Melissa below. 

Country and region
Cuba Dominican Republic Haiti Jamaica

Knowledge base

DRRP Newsletter Issue #2: Disasters, impacts and response in OACPS countries thumbnail
Documents and publications
DRRP Newsletter Issue #2: Disasters, impacts and response in OACPS countries

This second edition of the newsletter focuses on Hurricane Melissa in the Caribbean islands.

Intra Africa, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Disaster Risk Reduction Programme (DRRP)
Development Alternatives Incorporated - DAI
Kingston, Jamaica - October 30, 2025: Aftermath of Hurricane Melissa in the Heart of Kingston
Blog
Adriana Navarro-Sertich
Beyond counting roofs: Why disaster recovery metrics shape the wrong outcomes
If we make destroyed homes the global measure of disaster impact, we risk channelling resources toward the most visible part of recovery while neglecting the systems that make four walls and a roof actually livable.
Large boulders on Palisadoes a thin strip of sand that serves as a natural protection for Kingston Harbour, Jamaica
Update
When the storm hits, cash is not a constraint: Jamaica’s approach to disaster financing

Recognizing its high exposure to climate and natural hazards, the country developed a multilayered disaster risk financing strategy designed to cushion the fiscal impact of major events like Hurricane Melissa.

World Bank, the
Busy streets of Kingston Jamaica at downtown coronation market
Blog
Ruth C. White
Why mental health is core to disaster risk reduction
As DRR frameworks increasingly recognize the importance of mental health in preparedness and recovery, there are some policy actions that can be taken to strengthen the resilience of individuals and communities.
weather surveillance radar
Update
How investing in resilience prepared Jamaica for Hurricane Melissa

High in the lush surrounds of Coopers Hill, a powerful dome spins quietly, sending and receiving signals across the Caribbean. This is Jamaica’s newly installed Doppler weather radar to strengthen preparedness for increasingly intense storms.

Climate Investment Funds
Satellite infrared image Hurricane Melissa
Update
Ensuring the future: Lessons from Hurricane Melissa & Jamaica’s disaster vulnerability reduction efforts

The payout from Jamaica’s Catastrophe Bond, triggered by Hurricane Melissa, provided crucial immediate financial relief, underscoring the vital role of sovereign risk-financing tools.

World Bank, the
Regional cooperation strengthens disaster risk reduction efforts in the Caribbean
Update
How Jamaica’s preparedness delivers after a devastating hurricane

Over the past decade, the Government of Jamaica has worked closely with the World Bank to build fiscal buffers and invest in financial instruments designed to respond to disasters of varying frequency and impact.

World Bank, the
Large boulders on Palisadoes a thin strip of sand that serves as a natural protection for Kingston Harbour, Jamaica
Update
Hurricane Melissa, debt and pre-arranged financing: Jamaica’s unfolding story

Several countries now spend more servicing debt than investing in essential services like health and education.

Centre for Disaster Protection
Damaged buildings in Kingston Jamaica in aftermath of Hurricane Melissa
Update
Weak infrastructure leaves Jamaican schools devastated in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa

The devastation in Jamaica caused by Hurricane Melissa exposed a harsh reality that’s been hidden in plain sight for decades — most schools were not structurally sound enough to sustain high winds, heavy rainfall and storm-surge flooding.

Conversation Media Group, the
Satellite infrared image Hurricane Melissa
Update
No time to recover: Hurricane Melissa and the Caribbean’s compounding disaster trap as the storms keep coming

Headlines have been filled with talk of the catastrophic power of Hurricane Melissa after the Category 5 storm devastated communities across Jamaica, Cuba and Haiti in October 2025.

Conversation Media Group, the