Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Jamaica yesterday (Oct. 29) , bringing in winds over 150 mph. Considered to be one of the strongest Category 5 storms on record, the hurricane is now a Category 3 and is expected to move towards Cuba.
Hurricane Melissa brought heavy rainfall, forcing evacuations in various areas, and all international flights were canceled.
About five to 10 inches of rain are projected, as 15,000 Jamaicans are currently under shelter. A reported 530,000 people are without power. The health care system is expected to be among those impacted, as Jamaica’s hospitals and clinics were affected by the floods.
While the number of injured people is currently unavailable, about seven people have already died as a result of Hurricane Melissa. While three people passed away in Jamaica, three also passed away in Haiti and one person died in the Dominican Republic.
As the storm continues, here is a list of organizations and links to help.
Hurricane Melissa Relief
Labeled as the main fundraising link for Jamaica, the Hurricane Melissa Relief site features the latest news and a way to find shelters for those affected in the area. The website also provides visitors with a Preliminary Needs List, highlighting the necessity of each product and tracking damage. The Hurricane Melissa Relief urges people to use the site to report any damages, missing people and potential roadblocks. For those who want to donate, donations can be made in USD and JMD, with each donation supporting food, shelter and medical aid for those affected by the hurricane.
Airlink
Global humanitarian organization Airlink has already announced that they have partnered with the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency to review needs for citizens, including food, medical assistance and emergency sheltering. Approximately four WASH responders have already been sent for emergency response. Donations can be made through Airlink, with portions of the donations set to go to support people following Hurricane Melissa.
Global Empowerment Mission
The Global Empowerment Mission has reportedly set up 50,000 relief boxes full of nonperishable food, water and hygienic items. The 50,000 pounds of aid will be delivered through a plane, followed by six 640-foot containers set to sail into Jamaica for extra help. Overall, three cargo planes have been delivered to Jamaica in 48 hours, with 15 containers currently in transit. Approximately $10 million in aid has been set aside for Hurricane Melissa relief. To help support their mission, visitors can donate to the organization through USD and over 50 other currencies.
World Central Kitchen
The World Central Kitchen’s Relief Team has already announced that they landed in Jamaica ahead of the hurricane. The organization is set to coordinate with local restaurants to provide food to people affected by the storm. Donations are accepted on the organization’s website, whether they are a monthly or a one-time payment.
American Red Cross
The American Red Cross is currently working with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies to provide aid to Jamaica alongside Cuba, Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Along with relief supplies, the organization is helping deploy volunteers, keep open shelters and assist with evacuations. The nonprofit accepts donations on its homepage.
Additional resources:
Footprint Project: The solar-energy nonprofit is set to ship approximately 150 portable solar and battery power stations. The group currently accepts cash donations through give@footprintproject.org.
Direct Relief: The nonprofit has provided over $3 million in medical aid to Caribbean nations. To support Hurricane Melissa response efforts, Direct Relief will provide support to health facilities specifically, sending 100 field-medic packs to the country’s National Health Fund. Cash donations are currently being accepted.
CORE (Community Organized Relief Effort): Local staff are reportedly already responding in Haiti. Once airports reopen, hygiene kits, tarps and medical assessments will be given out. Donations can be given through their Emergency Relief Fund.
