From ABC News headquarters in New York City, this is GMA3.

We do begin, though, with the path of destruction left by Hurricane Melissa after slamming

into Jamaica and Cuba with catastrophic winds, rain, and flooding.

It is the strongest hurricane on record to hit Jamaica, where rescue and recovery operations

are just getting underway,

or Ica Jachi is on the ground. Iike, what can you tell us?

Hey, Whit, Melissa really slammed Jamaica hard, and to be honest, you can feel the tension

and the anxiety in the reports. Down power lines, communities completely washed out with dirt

and debris, and of course,

families sheltering in place.

Now, over the last several hours, Melissa has left Jamaica battered and battling to recover.

Winds up to 185 miles per hour ripped through communities, damaging homes, schools, and critical

infrastructure.

An official say more than a half a million Jamaicans are without power, with down trees

and broken power lines, complicated rescue and relief efforts.

Now, St. Elizabeth Parish reports widespread flooding.

In hospitals, they've had to face power losses and structural damages.

Crews essentially work to secure patients and begin urgent repairs.

Now, officials are asking people to

stay clear of damaged roads and to tune in for official updates. Rescue crews are prioritizing

medical needs, food and water distribution, and bringing power back to communities like St. Elizabeth

Paris, again, where that flooding has been so severe. But I have to say this, there is a silver

...