At first light Wednesday, Jamaica's southwest woke to images of flattened homes, overturned cars and downed lines as Category 5 Hurricane Melissa made landfall, battering Black River with up to 13-foot surge and devastating its hospital and emergency center. Prime Minister Andrew Holness declared the island a disaster area after 185 mph winds and torrential rain; mountain regions saw up to 49 inches, flooding St. Elizabeth and forcing its lone public hospital to evacuate. Search-and-rescue is underway with no fatalities reported, airports remain closed, and communications and water are cut in places. Melissa later struck Cuba near Chivirico.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.