Hurricane Melissa, a catastrophic Category 5 storm, has left a devastating mark across the Caribbean, claiming at least 49 lives and causing widespread destruction. The hurricane made landfall in southwestern Jamaica on Tuesday, marking the strongest storm to directly hit the island since 1988. With wind speeds far exceeding the threshold for the highest hurricane classification, Melissa tied as the second-strongest Atlantic hurricane on record. The storm’s slow movement exacerbated its impact, leading to prolonged torrential rains and severe flooding. In Haiti, which was not directly hit, at least 30 deaths were reported, with 20 people still missing. Jamaica’s information minister confirmed 19 fatalities, while hundreds of thousands remain without power, and infrastructure lies in ruins. The Bahamas and Cuba also faced significant damage, with Cuba evacuating 735,000 residents. Scientists attribute the increasing intensity and frequency of hurricanes to warming ocean waters caused by climate change. Caribbean leaders have called for reparations from wealthy, high-polluting nations to address the escalating crisis. The U.S. has pledged immediate humanitarian aid, with search and rescue teams en route to Jamaica. Recovery efforts are underway, but the region faces a long road to rebuilding.