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Category 5 Hurricane Melissa pounded Jamaica with catastrophic winds and rain as residents in southern Kingston said emergency crews failed to reach flooded neighborhoods for nearly 10 hours, with homes submerged and communications down. Viral clips showed families signaling from rooftops even as officials said teams were fully deployed. Controversy deepened after leaked footage allegedly showed relief supplies diverted to private contractors; opposition leaders demanded an independent probe, alleging disaster profiteering. Power remains out for over 1.2 million, health officials warn of cholera, and aid from Cuba and the U.N. is expected within 24 hours. Damage may exceed $3.5 billion.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.