Hurricane Melissa strikes Jamaica leaving most of the island without power, unknown death toll

Jamaica is trying to keep people and property safe from further harm while the strongest hurricane to hit the Caribbean island in a generation leaves devastation in its wake.

- By TAAYOO MURRAY Special to the AmNews

High winds from Hurricane Melissa ripped through Jamaica leaving residents to clean up in its wake. (Jonathan Bamidele photo)

(Jonathan Bamidele)

However, much of the island was spared the worst of the storm Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Jamaica on Oct. 28 as a Category 5 storm with maximum sustained winds of 185 mph. The hurricane landed on the southwestern section of the island, about 40 miles from Montego Bay, a major tourist destination. The slow-moving hurricane brought with it torrential rain, and tropical storm and hurricane force winds that were felt across the island. Officials in the country say 77% of the island is without power.

The death toll so far from Melissa is 25 in Haiti, three in Jamaica died preparing for the storm with another 13 injured, according to the Jamaica Gleaner. Three others in Haiti and in the Dominican Republic were also reported dead, the Associated Press reported. Officials in Jamaica say it is too early to assess the total amount of damage, but the death toll is expected to rise.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness has declared the country a disaster area. The declaration was made under the Disaster Risk Management Act, a statement from the Office of the Prime Minister said.