The Jamaican government has issued an all clear for the island to begin recovery efforts after Hurricane Melissa. Critical services companies, including the utility, water and telecommunications companies, have been instructed to resume their services. This comes less than 24 hours since the storm left the island.
“We have put the necessary measures in place so tomorrow the efforts to clear roads, ensure there is island wide connectivity, to return electricity and to deal with the humanitarian issues that may occur,” Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness Holness told CNN on Oct.28.
Before the storm hit, the government declared the island a disaster area using the Disaster Risk Management Act, a 2015 law to allow for swift implementation of measures to handle a variety of events with mass impact on the island, including natural disasters. There were also official calls for evacuations of flood prone areas, although many Jamaicans opted to shelter in place. Holness himself has posted information about disaster coordinations on his official social media.
Government of Jamaica Issues All Clear Following Passage of Hurricane Melissa. pic.twitter.com/oPETd99UID
— Andrew Holness (@AndrewHolnessJM) October 29, 2025
Officials are publicizing the efforts to recover from the storm. They plan to have the airports back open by Thursday. An official website has been launched to coordinate Hurricane Melissa relief efforts where people can donate, report emergencies and find shelter. Holness stated that it’s designed to support Jamaicans “at home and abroad who wish to assist with national recovery efforts.”
Today, I’m pleased to announce the launch of https://t.co/Bxrh9ioT5Z, the Government of Jamaica’s official platform to coordinate relief, mobilize support, and manage recovery efforts in the wake of Hurricane Melissa.
The site allows users to donate securely, submit pledges,… pic.twitter.com/9VmGc06LVx
— Andrew Holness (@AndrewHolnessJM) October 28, 2025
To prevent citizens from experiencing price gouging, the Trade Order has been put in effect, prohibiting price increases on “essential goods including food, water, medical supplies, personal care items, building materials, and emergency equipment.”
Hurricane Melissa caused significant damage in the southwestern area of the island. AP news reported over 500,000 locals without power and nearly 15,000 Jamaicans in shelters. Although officials say it’s too soon to know the extent of the loss of life or the damage, thus far, preparations for the storms have caused 3 confirmed deaths and 19 injuries.
The storm, slated to be one of the strongest hurricanes in Atlantic history, made landfall as a Category 5 storm. Melissa is tied with both 2019’s Hurricane Dorian and the 1835 Labor Day Hurricane with 185mph winds.
This morning, Univision reported that Hurricane Melissa caused “widespread damage” in Cuba after leaving Jamaica a “disaster zone.” The storm made landfall near Chivirico, Santiago de Cuba, around 3:10 a.m., after devastating Jamaica as its strongest hurricane on record.
Oisakhose Aghomo | Correspondent
Oisakhose Aghomo is a Georgia peach by way of Nigeria, but she is currently based in Austin, Texas. She is a writer, researcher, and documentarian. Oisakhose is passionate about equitable access to news and information. She is studying for a Master’s degree in Journalism and Media at Moody College of Communication at University of Texas, Austin. At Latina Republic, she’ll cover stories from the Caribbean, focusing on the arts, community-driven environmental initiatives, and cultural celebrations. In her free time, Oisakhose enjoys experimenting with new recipes and hosting dinners for her friends. She’s also a burgeoning acrobat, practicing aerial silks and lyra. A passionate traveler and a lover of all things media, she’s an avid TV and movie watcher. Her current inspirations include Nana Darkoa Sekyiamah, Amaarae, and Jeremy Strong.
