Jamaica declared a “disaster area”
Prime Minister of Jamaica, Andrew Holness, has declared his country a ‘disaster area’ as it reels from the effect of Hurricane Melissa.
The monster Category 5 hurricane caused widespread damage and catastrophic flooding in many parts of the island after it made landfall on the southern coast last Tuesday morning before exiting near the town of Trelawny on the north coast.
The decision by Holness came following advice from the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management and Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie.
McKenzie reported widespread flooding, several serious landslides, and severe infrastructural damage across portions of Jamaica including Clarendon, Manchester, St Elizabeth and Westmorland.
He said by late Tuesday many communities remain cut off and roads are impassable.
On the current track, the eye of Melissa is expected to move away from western Jamaica on Tuesday evening and move over southeastern Cuba later Tuesday night and early Wednesday morning.
This story was first published by Antigua News on : antigua.news/2025/10/28/jamaica-declared-a-disaster-area. © 2025 Antigua News. Republication without permission is not allowed.

About the author
The Editorial Staff refers to all reporters employed by Antigua.news. When an article is not an original creation of Antigua.news—such as when it is based on a press release, other media articles, letters to the editor, or court decisions—one of our staff members is responsible for overseeing its publication.
Read our editorial standards and corrections policy. Spotted an error? Contact the newsroom.
More from Caribbean
View section
St. Kitts DPP Seeks Antigua’s Help in Outstanding Case Involving Former Resort Clerk
By Shermain Bique-Charles
Royal Caribbean in Talks to Buy Half of Sandals in Reported $3 Billion Deal
By Shermain Bique-Charles
Four Killed in Latest US Military Strike on Suspected Drug Vessel in Caribbean
By Shermain Bique-Charles
Browne, Commonwealth Secretary-General Review Final Preparations for CHOGM 2026
By Editorial Staff
Comments (3)
Informed citizen October 28, 2025, 9:35 PM
Tromos October 29, 2025, 12:02 AM
Apex Jones October 29, 2025, 7:09 AM