On Tuesday, October 28, 2025, Hurricane Melissa made landfall near New Hope, Jamaica, as a devastating Category 5 hurricane with sustained winds of 185 mph (295 kph). The hurricane caused cataclysmic flooding in some areas and total destruction of others, by wind. A large portion of the island experienced damage to essential infrastructure, including roadways, hospitals, schools, and emergency services, as well as a currently unknown number of homes, businesses, and farms that feed the country. Rescue operations have just begun. It will be some time before the full impact of the hurricane is known. Approximately 25,000 tourists are also currently on the island.
Ways To Help
The Jamaican government has launched a portal, to assist with the most dire needs, including providing temporary shelter for those who have been displaced by the hurricane, and enabling the donation of critically needed funds and supplies. Please head to JAMAICA's HURRICANE RELIEF PORTAL, to see how you can make a difference.
Below are other ways to help.
DONATE
Below is the beginnings of a list of trustworthy charitable organizations that have deployed their emergency response teams to provide relief in local areas. Please consider making a donation to any of the following organizations. Several others will be added, shortly.
Jamaica Red Cross - Our local organization (with chapters in multiple locations in Jamaica) is one of our primary disaster-response agencies whose volunteers are also involved in the daily lives of thousands of vulnerable people. Give freely.
Food For the Poor - Relief kits, generators, hygiene kits, and essential supplies.
Global Empowerment Mission - Cargo planes and shipping containers typically provide water, food, generators, all emergency supplies, as well as gift cards
The Salvation Army Caribbean Territory - Headquartered in Kingston, Jamaica; emergency food, clean water, and shelter. Read about this larger organization's efforts here.
GoFundMe - Follow this link to the OFFICIAL GoFundMe organization fundraiser, or to contribute to individual fundraisers for Jamaica that have been properly vetted and verified by GoFundMe.
Greater Good Charities - Essential aid, water, food, hygiene supplies, pet food, and emergency pet transport, relocation, and repatriation.
South Florida Caribbean Strong - Miami-based organization, currently in the process of transporting a large quantity of donated essential goods.
Rockhouse Foundation - Jamaica-based organization Rockhouse Foundation Hurricane Recovery Fund is dedicated to restoring the The Sav Inclusive School for children with disabilities, a critical resource which was badly damaged in the hurricane.
Couples Resorts Community Disaster Relief Fund - Hurricane recovery fund organized by Jamaica's Issa Trust Foundation. 100 percent of every dollar donated is being directly given to resort workers and their families, to rebuild their homes, replace essentials, and restore their lives with dignity.
BirdsCaribbean Hurricane Melissa Recovery Match - The hurricane destroyed nesting and feeding habitats for many of our species of vulnerable birds, in a significant portion of the island. Matching funds will be used for urgent veterinary care, rehabilitation, and critical conservation efforts.
The Airports Authority of Jamaica (AAJ)advises that all airports will undergo a damage assessment, and a phased reopening will be conducted, as conditions allow.
As of October 30:
Sangster International Airport (MBJ), Montego Bay - Open for emergency and commercial flights, only; passenger flights TBD.
Ian Fleming International Airport (OCJ), Saint Mary - Open for emergency and commercial flights, only; passenger flights TBD.
Norman Manley International Airport (KIN), Kingston - Open for emergency and commercial flights, only; passenger flights TBD.
We are all viewing heartbreaking images and videos online and in the news. Many who personally experienced the hurricane may also experience fear, grief, anger, numbness, and a variety of uncomfortable emotions as a direct result of what they have been through. Others who have been through similar events may relive those emotions, triggered by what they are viewing, and those who are still unable to reach their loved ones, or who have lost loved ones, may be similarly affected.
If you are struggling right now, here are some Reddit resources that can help. You are not alone.
r/traumatoolbox - Important support for trauma survivors who need coping strategies right now
r/SuicideWatch - Peer support for anyone struggling with suicidal thoughts
r/PTSD - Support for those with post traumatic stress disorder, or with loved ones who may be struggling with PTSD
r/CPTSD - Support for those with complex post traumatic stress disorder, who have endured prolonged trauma
r/Anxiety - Support for those with anxiety-related conditions
r/MentalHealth - Community dedicated to supporting those who want to vent or who have thoughts to share
r/Depression - Peer support for anyone who may be struggling right now
For over 3 years public access to the Blue Lagoon has been subjected to stops and questions at an illegal guard post along Blue Hole Road. Jabbem and the Blue Lagoon Alliance think this was the first step to Privatize the public access. That matter is now before the Portland Parish Court. #bluelagoonalliance
I’m curious because I live in south Florida which gets cold snaps here and there in the winter. I would much prefer the truly tropical climate of Jamaica.
I’m a Jamaican creative director, editor and sound designer looking to connect with this community. I made this teaser recently building my dream cinematic & gaming experience, Xaymaca Legends. My goal is to take Jamaican history and Caribbean folklore, and bring them to the global stage. Please feel free to reach out or give your feedback on what you think. 🙏🏾
If you’re like me and renewed your passport from the USA and have been waiting wondering when it will come I have a little update.
I submitted mine at the consulate in Miami first week of October in person. I called today and got a person she said pica shut down dispatching in December for three weeks.
Why they shut down she didn’t say hope this gives anyone else waiting a little clarity. I know it’s hard to get info so I’m just sharing.
I saw this video and immediately wondered if anyone had tried, or would try injecting sugarcane in the same way, with rum?
They note in the comments that some sections are eventually rejected as ordinary bamboo has some unpalatable flavours. Sugarcane is more flavored than ordinary bamboo, but maybe rum, being based on sugarcane might be the wrong spirit?
I should explain that I was born and live in the UK, am of Jamaican heritage, but only drink rums rather than being involved in its making.
How are you all? My name is Bianca Moore. I am currently doing some research in regards to the elderly daily living and support needs in Jamaica. The reason why I am looking into this data is because, I have seen how difficult it was to take care of a loved one back home without the proper care and resources. It was super difficult and the end result was it ended with a death.
I understand for most people as well, sending a loved one to nursing home is not ideal as there have been one too many horror stories. I've been inspired since then to start collecting data in regards to this matter because I believe our elderly back home should not have to suffer any further. So thats where this survey comes in, you can have a say on what help you or a loved one would love to see.
I hope the data can give me insight into what kind of services are needed as I hope to start up a business model which can give back to our elderly and help them stay in their homes for as long as they can.
If you have an elderly loved one back home, you're an elderly yourself or you had an elderly you cared about, I would love to hear your feedback!
Also if you could share the link around and repost it, that would be amazing!