Hurricane Melissa was identified as a Category 5 storm and made landfall on  Oct. 28, 2025. It has since weakened to a Category 3 storm but has already displaced 15,000 people in New Hope, Jamaica.

“Even though we do not have hurricanes and tropical weather events on the West Coast, I can sympathize with the people of Jamaica,” senior Winnie Chun said. “So many people are suffering due to circumstances we cannot control,”

Countless weather experts are claiming that Hurricane Melissa will be one of the strongest Category 5 storms on record, with winds reaching upward of 185 kilometers. The tropical cyclone is predicted to reach Cuba and the Bahamas later today.

“Based on what we’re learning in Global Politics, I’m interested to see how development is impacted with these kinds of events,” senior Julia McKinnon said. “The way non-profit organizations are coming to the aid of these individuals is really inspiring.”

Due to the storm’s severity, communications have been limited and the chances of flash floods increase. Jamaica has a very dangerous few hours ahead, according to the National Hurricane Center.

“In my perspective, hurricanes are absolutely devastating and it is imperative that people consider this moment with compassion and empathy,” college counselor Clay Kingsbury said. “I grew up in Florida so I’ve seen the devastation of hurricanes and it’s important to realize how fast support resources can be shared throughout the US in comparison to other countries and it is our responsibility to support those in need,”

The implications of this storm are immense as they demonstrate the interconnectedness of our increasingly globalized world. So far, various state and non-state actors are collaborating in order to aid the people of Jamaica. “I know that everyone in the Convent is concerned for the wellbeing of everyone in the face of the storm,” Chun said. “As of right now, however, it seems that the only thing we can do is hope.”