In the days since Hurricane Melissa ripped through the Caribbean, we’re getting a clearer understanding of both the destruction and desperation the deadly storm has caused.

The hurricane was ranked as a Category 5 storm, the highest level of the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, when it reached Jamaica.

Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Jamaica as a Category 5 storm with wind speeds of up to 185 miles per hour.

Images from a helicopter over Black River, a coastal town of 5,000 in southwestern Jamaica, show the extent of the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa.

Before the storm barreled north over Cuba, at least seven people died across the Caribbean as the storm approached Jamaica. See the storm's impact on Cuba.

Hurricane Melissa made landfall along Jamaica's southwestern coast Tuesday as an extremely powerful Category 5 storm.

A disaster response specialist from Kansas City-based Heart to Heart International is on the ground in Jamaica assessing the widespread damage from Hurricane Melissa and coordinating relief efforts.

The most intense Atlantic hurricane of 2025 made landfall near New Hope, Jamaica, on Tuesday, followed by a second landfall in Cuba early on Wednesday as the monstrous storm sliced across the Caribbean.

Hurricane Melissa left a trail of destruction across the Caribbean, from Jamaica and Cuba to Haiti. Hundreds of thousands of people are in urgent need of food, shelter and clean water. Atlanta-based CARE is putting boots on the ground to help.

The storm “totally destroyed” the port of Black River, the prime minister said. At least five people died in Jamaica, and the hurricane killed at least 30 in Haiti. Officials expect the toll to rise.

Emergency water systems and medical teams deployed to Jamaica following Category 5 Hurricane Melissa with additional Samaritan's Purse relief flights planned.

After Hurricane Melissa battered Jamaica, airports across the island are struggling to return to full capacity, leaving travelers facing hours-long delays and canceled flights