When we think of Jamaica, sunny skies and clear coasts may come to mind. As of late, however, Jamaican skies have become starkly overcast, as neighborhoods are slowly torn apart, contrasting the usual weather of the Caribbean island. While rainfall is not atypical, especially in the current wet season, a deadly hurricane is not a normal occurrence for the island and its surrounding neighbors.

The uncharacteristic weather patterns have left many residents bewildered and concerned. Damages caused by the hurricane, now known as “Hurricane Melissa,” can be observed on recently shared drone footage via CNN. The hurricane is labeled Category five and holds the position as one of the strongest Atlantic hurricanes on record, which has led to immense struggles shared by the Jamaican population. Farmers attempt to maintain their crops to the best of their ability, as the unexpected weather has caused vast flooding, storm surges, and winds averaging up to 90 mph, with homes destroyed and 77% of the island left without power (PBS News, October 29, 2025). The local economy, heavily reliant on agriculture and tourism, is beginning to feel the strain, with communication gravitating toward serious discussions about implementing greater climate resilience strategies.

Understanding the severity associated with the hurricane is an essential step for effective preparation in the face of a potential threat in the future, and the death toll resulting from the hurricane has not powered through the resilience of the Jamaican people, with Stafford Geohagen, a Jamaican restaurant owner located in London, stating: “When the dust has settled and we evaluate the damages, as a nation we shall come together and we shall rise up again” (BBC News, October 29, 2025).