USAID was the lead American agency in disaster response. Now that it's been dismantled, questions are arising about how effective U.S. relief efforts will be in Jamaica after the hurricane.

Hurricane Melissa intensified to Category 5 strength as it neared Jamaica with up to 30 inches of rain and a life-threatening storm surge.

CBS News Miami has been in touch with families living through the aftermath, including Marvin Edwards, who rode out the hurricane in Montego Bay.

Disaster relief from the U.S. to Jamaica is delayed due to the government shutdown, but several private organizations are mobilizing to send relief after Hurricane Melissa. NBC News’ Jesse Kirsch spoke to one group packing up soup,

Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025, 10 p.m. ET At 10 p.m. Wednesday, the National Center issued an advisory stating that there were many developments. Melissa became a Category 3 hurricane, before devolving to a Category 2 hurricane.

As powerful images show the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica, people on Long Island are jumping into action to get aid flowing. It was the most powerful hurricane to lash the Caribbean island in recorded history,