Worldwide aid companies and charitable organizations are scrambling to carry support to the Jamaican folks after an enormous hurricane — the strongest ever to make landfall within the Caribbean island nation’s historical past — swept ashore on Tuesday, killing at the very least eight folks and leaving catastrophic harm in its wake.
The Worldwide Federation of the Crimson Cross beforehand stated as much as 1.5 million folks in Jamaica had been anticipated to be immediately affected by the storm, the first-ever Class 5 hurricane to hit the island nation.
Verify whether or not the recipient group will direct the present explicitly to aid efforts for Jamaica.
Whereas the precise scale and scope of the harm are nonetheless unknown — Melissa struck a glancing blow in northwest Jamaica slightly than a direct hit, but was highly effective sufficient to knock out communications throughout the island — a spread of humanitarian organizations are accepting donations to assist get the island again on its toes.
In line with reviews, the Class 5 hurricane’s drenching rain and 185-mph winds, toppled utility poles, tore the roof off a highschool getting used as a shelter, and triggered flooding and landslides. Broken properties lined in mud and waterlogged furnishings dotted the panorama.
The storm is predicted to strike the Bahamas subsequent earlier than passing close to Bermuda.
The excessive winds that accompanied Hurricane Melissa’s landfall in Jamaica have made it tough for the opposite islands to arrange for the monster storm. Assist companies and aid organizations have been in Jamaica since Monday and have already mobilized to help the opposite nations within the area.
Money Donations Are Really helpful
A number of humanitarian organizations are amassing varied forms of donations. Money donations are strongly advisable to keep away from logistical bottlenecks when sending items. Those that desire to donate items resembling hygiene kits ought to contact a company like Good360.
Nonetheless, particular person donors ought to verify whether or not the recipient group will direct the present explicitly to aid efforts for Jamaica or to your complete affected area. Additionally, donors ought to hold data of the present for tax or reporting functions.
Easy methods to Assist Folks Affected by Hurricane Melissa:
OrganizationWhat They’re ProvidingHow to donateAmericaresSending an emergency response workforce, medicines and aid provides in addition to emergency funding to revive well being companies in affected communities. To donate, go to the Americares web site at americares.org/HurricaneRelief.American Mates of Jamaica (AFJ)Established a $1 million matching fund for aid efforts in Jamaica following Hurricane Melissa. American Mates of JamaicaVisit AFJ’s web site and designate a donation to “Hurricane Melissa Reduction Fund”. American Mates of Jamaica.Direct ReliefPre-positioning medical provides within the Caribbean and coordinating health-facility help in Jamaica. Direct ReliefDonate through their web site; search for the “Hurricane Melissa” or Caribbean disaster fund. Direct ReliefGlobal Empowerment Mission (GEM)Has a Caribbean workforce in Jamaica, pre-deploying provides and coordinating aid logistics. International Empowerment MissionDonate via GEM’s web site (verify their Hurricane Melissa web page). International Empowerment MissionGood360Coordinating important items donations (turbines, shelter supplies, hygiene kits) through companion community, for Jamaica’s aid efforts. (Good360)On their web site, look below “Hurricane Melissa aid” or related campaigns. (Good360)CareMobilizing for first-aid, emergency meals rations, hygiene provides, water, and shelter wants in Jamaica and the broader Caribbean. (my.care.org)Donate through the devoted “Hurricane Melissa” donation portal on their website. (my.care.org)Ship ReliefWorking with regional Baptist companions to ship emergency provides and help long-term restoration in Jamaica. (Ship Reduction)Use their “Hurricane Melissa” challenge web page to present. Ship Reduction)Worldwide Medical CorpsWorking with a Jamaican companion (“The Animal Home Jamaica”) to provide meals, shelter, and look after animals impacted by the storm. IFAWDonations through their website below the “Hurricane Melissa” aid effort. Worldwide Medical CorpsWorld ReliefMobilizing companions in Jamaica to offer funds and aid kits to affected households as Hurricane Melissa makes landfall. World Reduction)Verify their aid response web page for Jamaica/Hurricane Melissa giving choices. World ReliefIFAW (Worldwide Fund for Animal Welfare)Working with a Jamaican companion (“The Animal Home Jamaica”) to provide meals, shelter and look after animals impacted by the storm. IFAWDonate through IFAW’s aid web page below the “Hurricane Melissa – Jamaica” heading. IFAW
