Hurricane Melissa, a catastrophic Category 5 storm, struck Jamaica with overwhelming force on October 28, 2025. Although early forecasts suggested Kingston might be spared, the western region—including Montego Bay and nearby communities—experienced some of the most severe devastation.
Rising Casualties: As of early November, at least 45 lives have been lost, with 15 individuals still unaccounted for.
Communities Cut Off: Numerous remote areas remain isolated due to landslides, damaged roads, and collapsed infrastructure. Search-and-rescue teams are still working tirelessly to reach them.
Public Health Concerns: Flooding has led to contaminated water sources, prompting authorities to declare an outbreak of Leptospirosis across several parishes.
Massive Economic Loss: Preliminary assessments estimate damages between USD $8–10 billion, a severe setback for key sectors such as tourism, agriculture, and local businesses.
For many, this disaster is more than a headline—it’s personal. As our NextNaa president, Dr. Sheri Tomlin, shared, “My family is in Jamaica, and watching the island face this scale of destruction has been deeply painful.”
Her words echo what countless families across the diaspora are feeling.
Moments like this remind us of the power of unity and compassion. If you’re able to support relief efforts, here are meaningful ways to help:
Make a Donation: We’ve created a secure donation portal through Zeffy. Every contribution—large or small—will directly aid emergency response, displaced families, and long-term rebuilding efforts.
Share the Message: Spreading awareness is invaluable. Please share this article or our donation link within your community to help mobilize more support.
Stay Updated: The situation continues to evolve, especially with the growing health concerns and ongoing recovery operations. Staying informed allows all of us to respond more effectively.
Together, we can stand with Jamaica during its time of greatest need. Together, we can rebuild homes, restore hope, and support the resilience of the Jamaican people.
From the heart—thank you for caring, thank you for giving, and thank you for keeping Jamaica in your prayers.
Donate here: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/jamaica-emergency-relief-restoring-lives-after-hurricane-melissa