Hurricane Melissa, the strongest storm since 1999 Odisha super cyclone

Hurricane Melissa, the most powerful Atlantic storm since the 1999 super cyclone that devastated Odisha, has unleashed catastrophic destruction across Jamaica and is now heading toward eastern Cuba.  Classified as a Category‑4 hurricane, Melissa brought winds of nearly 300 kmph, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.

The hurricane wreaked havoc on Jamaica’s landscape, uprooting massive trees, blowing away rooftops, and damaging homes and public infrastructure. Entire towns and villages were submerged under floodwaters, while landslides devastated hilly areas. During landfall, storm surges of up to 10 feet were reported, exacerbating flooding in low-lying coastal regions. Many communities are now facing widespread displacement and loss of property.

Experts say Melissa is unprecedented in recent Atlantic history. In terms of intensity and destruction, the hurricane is considered even stronger than the 1999 Odisha super cyclone, one of India’s deadliest storms, highlighting its extraordinary force. Meteorologists have noted that Melissa’s rapid intensification was fueled by unusually warm Atlantic waters, making it one of the strongest storms in recorded history.

“The category-4 typhoon Melissa is active in the Atlantic Ocean. It made landfall in Jamaica and its sustained wind speed was 300 kmph, gusting up to 350 kmph. It had a central pressure of around 892 mb as compared to 904 mb, as compared to the 1999 super cyclone, making it even stronger and the most powerful Atlantic storm,” informed Biswajit Sahoo, weather expert.

Authorities have issued warnings across eastern Cuba and the Bahamas, with large-scale evacuations underway. Residents are being urged to brace for catastrophic flash floods, high winds, and landslides. Emergency services across the Caribbean are mobilized to provide immediate relief to affected communities.

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The devastation caused by Melissa underscores the growing threat of increasingly powerful storms, with climate change and rising ocean temperatures contributing to more frequent and intense hurricanes. For Jamaica, Cuba, and the surrounding islands, the full impact of Melissa may take weeks to assess, as the storm continues to leave destruction in its path.