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Devastating Hurricane Melissa Hits Jamaica, $7.7 Billion Damage

10/31/2025

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Summary

Story summary

On Oct 28, 2025, Hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica with peak winds of 185 mph and 76 cm of rainfall, prompting Jamaica to declare a disaster zone and leaving most of 2.8 million residents without electricity.
Scientists attribute Hurricane Melissa's rapid intensification to human-induced climate change and a weak La Niña pattern reducing wind shear.
Preliminary damage estimates are around $7.7 billion, with recovery expected to take at least a decade.

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Story summary

On Oct 28, 2025, Hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica with peak winds of 185 mph and 76 cm of rainfall, prompting Jamaica to declare a disaster zone and leaving most of 2.8 million residents without electricity.
Scientists attribute Hurricane Melissa's rapid intensification to human-induced climate change and a weak La Niña pattern reducing wind shear.
Preliminary damage estimates are around $7.7 billion, with recovery expected to take at least a decade.