Harrowing footage shows aftermath of Hurricane Melissa as Jamaica is declared a disaster area

Footage from Jamaica has shown the devastation Hurricane Melissa has left behind after it battered the country this week.

The 'unprecedented' Category 5 hurricane, which is the highest category on the Saffir-Simpson scale, barrelled through Jamaica at 157mph, bringing water and floods on land.

The slow-moving storm triggered terrifying mudslides, storm surges and flooding, which caused severe damage across the nation as many woke up today (October 29) with no power.

As it hit, Jamaica's Prime Minister Andrew Holness said the country is now a disaster area, in a statement shared on social media: "The government's first priority is always the safety and well-being of every Jamaican.

"We acted pre-emptively with the declaration of a threatened area when the system was approaching Jamaica.

Homes have been flooded (RICARDO MAKYN/AFP via Getty Images)

"Hurricane Melissa, an unprecedented Category 5 system, is now here, making its way across the island. This warrants a new legislative provision under the DRMA [The Disaster Risk Management Act of 2021].

"Similarly, we must also continue to proactively maintain stability, protect consumers, and prevent any exploitation at a time when citizens are security food, water, and supplies."

Footage of the impact has been viewed all over the world, showing homes crumbled and the area covered in water, with cloudy skies.

Devastating aftermath

Currently, there are 15,000 people in Jamaican emergency shelters, and 25,000 tourists stuck on the island with no way home.

Attempting to help residents in their time of need, the Black River Police Station has revealed it is opening its doors to those without homes, so they can shelter away from the wreckage.

The post also showed roads covered in debris, parked cars unable to move and power lines destroyed and hanging on by a thread.

The force wrote on Twitter: “The Black River Police Station has become a refuge for residents whose houses have been flooded. We are sticking close to the community as we weather Hurricane Melissa together.”

Where else is impacted by Hurricane Melisaa?

After turning Jamaica into a 'disaster zone', Hurricane Mellissa has now made its way to Cuba.

Hurricane Melissa is expected to hit the Bahamas (FrankRamspott/Getty)

President Miguel Díaz-Canel said on Wednesday that Melissa had already caused 'extensive damage'.

“It has been a very difficult early morning.

“Extensive damage and Hurricane Melissa is still over Cuban territory. I urge our people not to let their guard down, to maintain discipline and to remain safely sheltered.”

The storm is now expected to cross into the Bahamas and towards Bermuda.