When Hurricane Melissa roared ashore near New Hope, Jamaica, at around 1:05 p.m. ET on October 28, 2025, it did so as a Category 5 cyclone with sustained winds of 185 mph and a 13-foot storm surge. The National Meteorological Service warned that its slow forward motion—about 9 mph—would prolong the assault, bringing up to 40 inches of rain and catastrophic flooding.
Project HOPE described Melissa as the strongest hurricane ever to hit Jamaica, leaving large swaths of the island without power and vulnerable to landslides. The impact was immediate and severe, with at least 240,000 people losing electricity in the first hours, and by the next day, the breadbasket parish of St. Elizabeth was “underwater.” More than 530,000 residents—roughly 77% of customers—remained without power.
Hospitals in Black River and Santa Cruz evacuated dozens of patients after roof damage and flooding, while first responders received distress calls from residents stranded on rooftops in Montego Bay. Public infrastructure—including hospitals, government offices, and shelters—suffered heavy damage. Despite the devastation, officials emphasized that there were no confirmed fatalities as of October 29.
The humanitarian needs are immense. Project HOPE notes that communities face shortages of clean water, sanitation, and hygiene supplies, mental-health support, and access to medicines. Your support is crucial. Jamaicans, the diaspora, and the global community have begun to mobilize. Below is a guide to trustworthy organizations offering ways to help Jamaica recover.
Food and Water Relief
Mercy Chefs—This nonprofit deploys professional chefs and volunteers to disaster zones to provide hot, chef-prepared meals and clean drinking water. Mercy Chefs has mobilized to Jamaica and Cuba and is accepting donations to support large-scale meal preparation and water distribution.
World Central Kitchen (WCK)—Founded by Chef José Andrés, WCK partners with local cooks to serve fresh meals to first responders and affected families. As reported by ABC News, WCK is working with Jamaican partners to begin serving meals “as quickly as possible.” Donations help fund emergency kitchens and logistics for food and water delivery.
Health and Medical Support
Project HOPE—The global health organization deployed an emergency team to Jamaica immediately after landfall. It is providing clean water, hygiene kits, mental health services, and medical supplies to support ongoing health services and long-term recovery.
Direct Relief—The humanitarian group is supplying medicines and equipment to health facilities, many in coastal and low-lying areas. A spokesperson told NBC News that Direct Relief aims to “sustain healthcare access after the storm.” The organization recently received a $1 million donation from the Miami Heat and partners to jump-start efforts.
Diaspora and Community Organizations
American Friends of Jamaica (AFJ)—AFJ has activated its Disaster Relief Fund and a $1 million matching program: every donation through AFJ’s official channels will be matched dollar-for-dollar. Working with Jamaica’s Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), Global Empowerment Mission, Food For The Poor Jamaica, and the Sanmerna Foundation, AFJ provides food, water, hygiene kits, and shelter support.
Other diaspora groups—Organizations such as the NCB Foundation, GEM, and Sanmerna Foundation are coordinating on-the-ground aid. Donors should verify that a charity is reputable and registered—websites ending in .org or .gov.jm are preferable.
Government and Local Initiatives
The Jamaican government has taken a proactive role by setting up a resource hub—It helps to coordinate relief efforts and prevent fraud. They have launched the official Support Jamaica portal for public donations, providing various secure options. The site also features an interactive shelter locator and a platform for residents to report on-the-ground situations, ensuring efficient resource mobilization. It’s important to note that only .gov.jm websites are legitimate.
Staying Informed and Vigilant
Staying informed is crucial in these times. Both BBC News and NBC News are providing live updates on the situation in Jamaica, including damage to infrastructure, evacuations, and power restoration. The Jamaican government is also warning about potential scams and advising donors to avoid unofficial fundraising drives.
Always cross-check donation links, look for secure addresses (https://), and never click on unsolicited messages. With careful generosity directed through trusted organizations, you can help Jamaicans rebuild homes, restore health services, and reclaim livelihoods after this unprecedented storm.
Editors’ Note: AI supported research for this story.
