11:30, 28 October 2025
Words by Cheyanne Bryan, Editorial and Campaign Marketing Executive, London
As Hurricane Melissa — now a Category 5 storm with winds up to 175 mph (282 km/h) — barrels towards the Caribbean, communities in Jamaica are already feeling the outer rain bands.
The storm poses a catastrophic threat to Jamaica, Cuba, and Haiti, with forecasts warning of life-threatening flooding, storm surges, and mudslides.
Amid the growing crisis, humanitarian organisations and charities alike are rapidly mobilising to provide food, shelter, and medical care to those in need. Here are the groups leading the relief efforts:
With extensive experience in disaster and humanitarian response, Direct Relief is preparing critical medical supplies and emergency resources for hospitals and clinics in Jamaica and surrounding regions. The charity focuses on ensuring that frontline health workers have the tools they need to save lives during and after the storm.
Help them make a difference here: Donate to Direct Relief
The IOM is preparing shelter and logistics support for communities expected to be displaced by the hurricane's flooding and wind damage. The organisation is also assisting local authorities with evacuation plans and emergency shelters.
Support their efforts here: IOM Donate
Part of the international Red Cross organisations, the American Red Cross has activated disaster response teams across the Caribbean. Working alongside local Red Cross branches, the organisation is ready to deliver food, water, first aid, and emergency shelter to affected areas.
Help their rescue efforts: Online Donations | American Red Cross
Founded by Chef José Andrés, WCK is known for its rapid food relief in disaster zones. As Hurricane Melissa approaches, the organisation is coordinating with local partners in Jamaica to provide freshly cooked meals for evacuees and emergency responders.
Sponsor a cooked meal here: World Central Kitchen - Help us provide fresh meals to communities in Jamaica
Established by a group of Jamaicans and Americans with a deep love and connection to the country, American Friends of Jamaica started with the idea to see Jamaica prosper and improve the people’s lives through philanthropy. Today, the organisation supports many Jamaican charities and while the threat ofHurricane Melissa continues, they are raising money for those that are expected to be deeply affected.
Donate to support their relief efforts: American Friends of Jamaica
Already working closely with local authorities, the International Medical Corps is preparing to deploy medical teams to assist hospitals and clinics in Jamaica, in addition to supplies and equipment.
Contribute to making their medical efforts here: International Medical Corps Ready to Respond to Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica
Project HOPE’s emergency response team is preparing to deploy to Jamaica as soon as conditions allow. In the meantime, the organisation is working closely with local and international partners to assess the most urgent needs as the storm moves through the region.
Make a donation to their emergency response team efforts here: Project HOPE - Donate to Hurricane Melissa
Those wishing to support relief operations can donate directly to these trusted organisations or help amplify their efforts by sharing verified information on social media.
Every contribution can make a tangible difference for families affected by Hurricane Melissa.
