Hurricane Melissa made landfall in southwestern Jamaica as a Category 5 storm with sustained winds of approximately 185 mph (295 kph), tying the record for the strongest Atlantic hurricane landfall. It marks the most powerful storm ever recorded to directly hit Jamaica.
In Jamaica, entire roofs were torn off homes—particularly in the parish of St. Elizabeth where up to 90% of roofs were reportedly destroyed in the Black River area. Over 25,000 people are still in shelters and about 77% of the island is without power amid widespread infrastructure collapse.
In Haiti, while the eye did not make direct landfall, persistent heavy rainfall caused catastrophic flooding, especially in the southern town of Petit-Goâve, where more than twenty (20) people—including ten (10) children—have been confirmed dead and others remain missing. Many people remain trapped in collapsed houses. More than 160 homes were damaged and eighty (80) others were destroyed in the region.
In Cuba, the eastern provinces were hit by hurricane-force winds and torrential rain shortly after Jamaica. Although no official fatalities have been reported, over 735,000 people were evacuated ahead of the storm, and major damage to roofs, roads, power lines, and telecommunications infrastructure is already evident. Heavy crop losses are also being reported.
The full scope of the damage will take time to assess. Authorities across the region warn of long recovery timelines owing to destroyed infrastructure, blocked access roads, and power and communications outages.
The Board of Directors and staff of ECI extend our heartfelt support to all communities impacted by Hurricane Melissa. We stand in solidarity with those affected and the emergency-response teams working on the ground. We will share verified opportunities for donations and relief aid below as they become available. Please keep all those enduring the storm’s effects in your thoughts during this difficult time.
Aid Opportunity Links Below: