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Jamaica's recovery from Hurricane Melissa
On 28 October 2025 Category 5 Hurricane Melissa struck western Jamaica near New Hope, destroying homes, the power grid and water infrastructure.
Open on the interactive globeAccording to the Government of Jamaica, 45 people were killed, and the NHC estimates physical damage at USD 12.2 billion, or 41% of the country's 2024 GDP. The IFRC reports 1.6 million people affected and runs a 24-month appeal of CHF 19 million for 180,000 people, 56% funded as of April 2026. In 2026 some residents remain displaced and water supply is still not fully restored in several parishes.
Numbers with sources
| Value | As of | Source | |
|---|---|---|---|
| People in need | 1.6 m | April 2026 | ifrc.org |
| Humanitarian appeal | 23 m USD | 30 October 2025 | ifrc.org |
| Appeal funded | 56% | May 2026 | nhc.noaa.gov |
| Deaths | 45 | 19 May 2026 | nhc.noaa.gov |
Needs
- shelter
- water and sanitation
- health
- livelihoods
- education
Who is helping
Organisations that, according to their own publications, work on this event (4). Donations go directly to each organisation's own website - GLOBURNS does not handle payments.
- Food For The Poor Jamaica (FFP Jamaica)Food For The Poor Jamaica distributes food and builds homes for the poorest families. After Hurricane Melissa it provided temporary shelter, emergency supplies and roof…Donate on the organisation's website (foodforthepoorja.org)
- Jamaica Red Cross (JRC)The Jamaica Red Cross works on disaster preparedness, first aid and restoring family links. After Hurricane Melissa it ran shelters and distributed relief in the western…Donate on the organisation's website (jamaicaredcross.org)
- United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF)UNICEF works for children's health, nutrition, education and protection in more than 190 countries. In Yemen it runs five field offices (Sana'a, Aden, Sa'ada, Hudaydah…Donate on the organisation's website (help.unicef.org)
- World Food Programme (WFP)WFP is the largest humanitarian organisation focused on food assistance. In Cox's Bazar it provides more than 1.1 million Rohingya refugees with e-voucher food…Donate on the organisation's website (wfp.org)
Sources
- nhc.noaa.gov nhc.noaa.gov/data/tcr/AL132025_Melissa.pdf
- ifrc.org ifrc.org/press-release/jamaica-ifrc-launches-emergency-appeal-response-hurricane-melissa…
- ifrc.org ifrc.org/press-release/six-months-after-hurricane-melissa-locally-led-recovery-will-deter…
- internationalsos.com internationalsos.com/insights/hurricane-melissa-aftermath-jamaica
Seed record, before editorial verification. Every number links to its source; report errors on the Corrections page. Methodology · Corrections
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