Melissa made landfall near New Hope, on Jamaica’s southwestern coast, at midday. By late afternoon, the storm’s eye had crossed the island, shredding roofs and downing communications across multiple parishes. Health officials said the roof of the Black River Hospital was ripped away, forcing the evacuation of dozens of patients. Several fatalities were reported during pre-storm preparations, though the full toll remains unknown as communication lines remain down in the hardest-hit areas.