Millions across the Caribbean are reeling in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, one of the most powerful storms ever recorded in the Atlantic, with children among the most vulnerable as communities face widespread devastation, unsafe shelter, hunger, and disrupted schooling, according to World Vision.
The global Christian humanitarian organization has joined aid efforts in the aftermath of the hurricane, which hit Jamaica on Oct. 28 before devastating other Caribbean islands such as Haiti, Cuba and the Dominican Republic. Meteorological experts noted it as one of the most powerful hurricanes ever recorded in the Atlantic basin.
World Vision mobilized relief shipments of food, clean water, tarps, and other emergency supplies, and airlifted generators and water purification systems to support recovery efforts.
It is partnering with the Jamaica Baptist Union — a network of more than 300 churches across the island — to distribute aid to families most affected by the storm, according to the ministry.
The Category 5 hurricane made landfall in Jamaica on Oct. 28, which experts described as among the most powerful hurricanes ever recorded in the Atlantic basin.
“We know the heartbreak storms like Melissa bring to already vulnerable communities,” said Mike Bassett, World Vision’s national director of domestic humanitarian and emergency affairs. He has conducted assessments and helped to deliver food, water and other items in hard-hit Montego Bay, Jamaica and surrounding areas.
“We’re doing all we can to assist with much-needed supplies and are confident that with God’s help, we will bring hope and light to those impacted,” Bassett said.
Communities in Montego Bay and the nearby village of Seven Rivers still face critical shortages of basic needs such as food and clean drinking water.
“I saw total devastation. Homes with roofs ripped off and it’s raining daily – people are exposed to the elements,” Bassett said, describing the dire conditions in St. James parish.
Many roads on the islands affected remain inaccessible, and power outages are widespread, making it difficult to reach communities.
Bassett lauded the resilience he noted among affected communities, despite the difficulties. “People are in good spirits, but they looked like they were in shock and trying to figure out what the new normal is,” he said.
Haiti has suffered from gang violence and the hurricane has put extra pressure on communities. World Vision noted that 1.4 million Haitians do not have enough food. Fishing and farming activities have suspended with a resulting threat to livelihoods and access to commodity markets. In response, the aid agency is distributing kitchen, hygiene and bedding kits to survivors.
In the Dominican Republic, the aid agency will provide humanitarian assistance in San Cristóbal, Santo Domingo and Monte Plata.
Other Christian relief agencies have also mobilized in response to the disaster. Samaritan’s Purse has deployed a field hospital and disaster response team to Jamaica following what officials described as the island’s worst hurricane in history.
"Please pray for the people of Jamaica who are greatly suffering,” Edward Graham, the ministry's COO, wrote. “The storm has brought devastating destruction to families and communities across Jamaica, and Samaritan’s Purse is committed to staying until the work is complete.
"Please pray for the people of Jamaica, that they would know they are not forgotten and that God loves them.”
