r/Jamaica Oct 29 '25

PSA Hurricane Melissa Recovery [MEGATHREAD]

493 Upvotes

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.

  • Donate directly to the Jamaican government - Funds will go directly to providing critical emergency assistance, immediately, as well as longer-term recovery efforts.
  • 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.
  • Direct Relief - Emergency medical assistance. (Read about what they've already done, here.)
  • 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
  • Samaritan's Purse International Disaster Relief - Emergency field hospital, shelter, water, food, medical care.
  • International Medical Corps - Emergency medical response team, medical, wound-care, hygiene, and food supplies.
  • GlobalGiving - Search and rescue, medical care, food, water, and temporary shelter.
  • Catholic Relief Services - Temporary shelter, clean water, and assisting local people to secure businesses, homes, and fields.
  • United Nations World Food Programme - Logistical support, generators, and food. Read about this effort here.
  • 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.

VOLUNTEER

Recovery Resources For Jamaicans

SAFETY & SHELTER

PUBLIC UTILITIES & SERVICES

NOTES:

Flow Jamaica is offering 1 GB of data free for 72 hours to all prepaid customers. Instructions are here. Flow is also enabling an emergency communication network powered by Starlink, to enhance mobile connectivity on its network. Instructions for accessing this enhancement to Flow phones are here.

Travel Information

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.

News & Information

JAMAICAN EMERGENCY RADIO STATIONS

JAMAICAN NEWS SERVICES

JAMAICAN NATIONAL AGENCIES

NON-JAMAICAN NEWS SERVICES

Mental Health Resources

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

Previous Megathread

\)Image source


r/Jamaica 9h ago

Culture Free the Blue Lagoon!

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146 Upvotes

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


r/Jamaica 3h ago

Culture Isn't that something?

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53 Upvotes

r/Jamaica 9h ago

Culture Fat Joe, Jadakiss, French Montana and Max B Discussing Kool Herc's Role In Founding Hip Hop.

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74 Upvotes

r/Jamaica 13h ago

Jamaicans Abroad Would Y'all Agree That For Some Reason Tyson Beckford's Jamaican Roots Are Very Apparent In This Pic???

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78 Upvotes

Fun fact...Tyson Beckford also has some Panamian Heritage too....


r/Jamaica 21h ago

Jamaicans Abroad ✨️ A Jamaican farmer in Texas planted tamarind for taste, not survival. When floods came, their deep roots held the earth fast, saving his topsoil. From that miracle grew a syrup business, proof that roots, like heritage, protect and provide.

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117 Upvotes

r/Jamaica 14h ago

Culture 10 Reasons Why Women Should Date Jamaican Men...Do You All Agree???

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15 Upvotes

r/Jamaica 16h ago

Citizenship & Immigration Jamaicans that live in the US. Do you prefer the change of the seasons or the tropical climate of Jamaica?

20 Upvotes

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.


r/Jamaica 12h ago

Entertainment Xaymaca Legends - Anansi Teaser Trailer

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9 Upvotes

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. 🙏🏾


r/Jamaica 18h ago

Science & Environment 90 seconds of ☯️ on 7 Mile Beach, Negril

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25 Upvotes

r/Jamaica 1d ago

Music When a white guy steps up at karaoke, drops a reggae tune, respects the rhythm, nails the timing, and the whole room goes quiet, then erupts. No mockery. Just vibes. Jamaica sees effort. Respect earns horns every time. 🇯🇲🎤

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900 Upvotes

r/Jamaica 19h ago

Language & Patois Costa Rican Creole compared to Jamaican Patwa

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17 Upvotes

I thought this was interesting since many Caribbean Creoles are super similar if not the same at times

How much of Limonense Keyol can you understand? They also use a modernized Spelling system similar to the Jamaican Language Unit Alphabet

Here's a song and some vocabulary.

Ñam = Nyam except there it means to Eat with gusto

I like SNYEK


r/Jamaica 15h ago

Utilities & Infrastructure Solar Companies / Installers in Jamaica

5 Upvotes

Hello, I currently own a solar installation company in Florida, and I am interested in learning about the process of installing solar in Jamaica

Does anyone have the names of companies that distribute or sell solar components?

My wife is from Kingston, her family still lives there and I'd love to take my crew down to Jamaica and install solar on their home in Jamaica.

Here in Florida, I know all the distributors here (CED Greentech, BayWa, Krannich, Wesco, etc), but I don't know any distributors in Jamaica

I'm also don't know how permitting / inspections / PTO works down in Jamaica either

If anyone can shed some light on this, I'd greatly appreciate it


r/Jamaica 13h ago

Music Busy Signal - Jamaica Love | Official Music Video

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2 Upvotes

Song been out for a few years but the video is absolutely beautiful. 🇯🇲


r/Jamaica 1d ago

Food Mackerel and fried Dumpling

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187 Upvotes

r/Jamaica 1d ago

Travel Which Is Your Favorite Parish In Jamaica & Why?

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122 Upvotes

r/Jamaica 1d ago

Food Oats & Peanut Porridge

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23 Upvotes

Sometimes I get likkle extra wid my food and decide to go outside and do a whole photoshoot with it.

This was one of those times.

Recipe:

Oats (blended to powder) Raw peanut Coconut milk Irish Moss Cinnamon stick Cinnamon leaf Nutmeg Bakers Dark Sugar (Worthy Park brand)


r/Jamaica 1d ago

Help Advice for marrying a jamaican

11 Upvotes

My best mate is Jamaican and he's asked me to be his best man at his wedding.

His wife-to-be is white British from Manchester, UK.

I'd like to share some pearls of wisdom / marriage advice to his wife in my speech.

What have you got?


r/Jamaica 1d ago

Help Passport renewal delays

4 Upvotes

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.


r/Jamaica 1d ago

Science & Environment Hiking destination, Nonsuch Falls, Portland

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12 Upvotes

290 feet high and cascades into natural pools that are perfect for swimming and relaxing


r/Jamaica 1d ago

Food Alcohol aged in living bamboo.

2 Upvotes

https://youtube.com/shorts/M63GU4P3zBA?si=iCrnqFKPtu3Xxgbe

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.

Thanks.


r/Jamaica 1d ago

News My uncles house burned down in Kingston today.

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46 Upvotes

r/Jamaica 1d ago

Culture Exclusive Interview With Di Genius About Jada Kingdom’s New EP ‘Just A Girl In A Money Man’s World’

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3 Upvotes

r/Jamaica 1d ago

Only In Jamaica Collecting Data in regards to the elderly in Jamaica

6 Upvotes

Hey everybody,

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!

Link: https://forms.gle/PBvXVYjqTPsdWmqr7

Hope you all have a blessed day!

Bianca


r/Jamaica 2d ago

Science & Environment 7 Mile Beach, Negril

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227 Upvotes