Hurricane Melissa Hits Jamaica with Historic Category 5 Force Affecting 1.5 Million

Hurricane Melissa, the strongest storm in Jamaica's recorded history and the first Category 5 hurricane to hit the island, made landfall on October 28, impacting over 1.5 million people. The storm caused widespread devastation including life-threatening winds, extreme flooding, landslides, and power outages, especially affecting popular tourist areas and local communities. Emergency responses involve cash aid programs to help families cover urgent needs, food and supply donations coordinated by local nonprofits, and hotel lockdowns to protect tourists stranded during the storm. Local and international organizations such as the Red Cross and the Global Fund to End Childhood Hunger and Poverty are actively engaged in relief efforts, while calls for donations and support continue to grow. The situation remains critical as residents are urged to stay sheltered and prepare for ongoing severe conditions. Efforts to provide immediate assistance and long-term recovery support are underway, emphasizing the importance of cash aid to empower affected families.