From Jamaica to Cuba, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic, Hurricane Melissa has claimed over 50 lives and devastated the livelihoods of millions of people when it made landfall on October 28.
As one of the most powerful Atlantic storms ever recorded – and the strongest to hit Jamaica in recorded history – the category five storm brought catastrophic winds of up to 185 mph, torrential rains, and widespread flooding to areas that were already in humanitarian crisis.
Thousands of people have been displaced from their homes, and many are missing, with the death toll expected to rise in the days to come.
In Jamaica, approximately one-third of the island is without power, families are unable to reach one another as communication lines are challenged, and homes, hospitals, and businesses are destroyed.
Sadly, the death toll is the highest in neighbouring Haiti, where Foodgrains Bank members were partnering to support local aid organizations even before Melissa, as the need for humanitarian assistance was already high before this disaster.
We mourn the lives that were lost because of the destruction, and pray for urgent humanitarian support to reach the areas where it is most needed so that these countries can begin to rebuild.
To support Foodgrains Bank members responding to this crisis, visit their webpages:
- Alongside Hope (specify ‘Hurricane Melissa’ in donation notes)
- Adventist Development and Relief Agency
- Canadian Baptist Ministries
- Emergency Relief and Development Overseas
- Mennonite Central Committee
- Presbyterian World Service & Development
- World Renew
Flooding caused by Hurricane Melissa has devastated many communities in the four affected Caribbean countries. (Photo: CBM)
Hurricane Melissa struck Cuba late Tuesday, bringing heavy rain and strong winds, causing severe flooding and damage to the province of Santiago de Cuba where MCC is responding. (Photo: Luis Alberto Hernández)
