Category 5 Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Jamaica as the strongest storm — and only Category 5 hurricane — ever recorded in the nation’s history.

Hurricane Melissa became one of the most powerful hurricanes on record to make landfall in the Atlantic Basin.

Hurricane Melissa is causing havoc in Jamaica as the Caribbean nation faces the strongest storm in its modern history. The hurricane is now a category four with wind speeds of 150mph (240km/h), after earlier lashing the coastline with winds of more than 185mph.

Hurricane Melissa has hit southwestern Jamaica as a catastrophic Category 5 storm, causing heavy flooding and wind damage.

After deadly Hurricane Melissa, locals are sending money and trying to contact family and friends who’ve lost power, sustained property damage and likely lost their crops for this harvest.

Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Cuba this morning as a slightly weaker Category 3 storm after blasting Jamaica with winds of up to 185mph - some of the strongest in its history

The heart of Jamaican life centers around its history of resilience. Here's 7 facts about life, culture and history in Jamaica.