Hurricane Melissa: Bringing Hope to the Caribbean

The Salvation Army is actively responding, providing emergency food, clean water, and shelter to displaced families. Teams are working alongside local authorities to deliver critical supplies and offer emotional and spiritual care to those impacted. Your support ensures we can continue meeting urgent needs and help communities rebuild.

Updates as of October 29, 2025

“I had never heard a sound as terrifying as the one we heard last night when the hurricane came ashore.”   - Ricardo Gomez, Territorial Development/Emergency Officer in Cuba the Salvation Army 

Hurricane Melissa Devastates Jamaica

Hurricane Melissa, the first Category 5 storm on record to strike Jamaica, made landfall near Black River City in St. Elizabeth Parish on October 28, unleashing catastrophic winds, torrential rainfall, and storm surges that caused widespread flooding and landslides. Nearly 1.6 million people were affected, with significant infrastructure damage reported, including power outages, flooded communities, and severe impacts on hospitals and health facilities, some of which evacuated patients due to storm damage.

The storm brought torrential rainfall and life-threatening surges, resulting in widespread flooding and at least three confirmed deaths. Approximately 6,000 people were displaced, and more than 800 shelters were activated nationwide, with St. Elizabeth Parish reported to be “underwater.” Some mountainous areas received nearly 40 inches of rain. Additional moisture from Hurricane Melissa is expected to push the heat index into triple digits in the coming days. Authorities aimed to reopen Jamaica’s airports by October 30 to accelerate aid distribution and relief efforts.

Hurricane Melissa Makes Landfall in Cuba

Nearly 241 communities, totaling 140,000 people, have been cut off due to rising river levels and blocked roads following Hurricane Melissa’s landfall in Cuba on October 29. At least 750,000 people have been evacuated, and severe housing damage is expected, as more than 250,000 homes were already in poor condition and an additional 600,000 were built with lightweight roofing. This disaster compounds hardships for areas still recovering from Hurricane Oscar in 2024.

Hurricane Melissa’s Impact on Haiti

At least three lives were lost in Haiti as Hurricane Melissa swept through, first as a tropical storm and later as a hurricane on October 28. The storm led to severe flooding and hazardous conditions, causing water leaks, widespread flooding, and power outages that added strain to already vulnerable communities.

Hurricane Melissa’s Impact on the Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic has faced severe consequences from Hurricane Melissa. Nearly 1.8 million people were affected, with two confirmed deaths and 3,785 people displaced. Infrastructure damage has been extensive, with reports indicating that 58 of 63 aqueducts are completely out of service, leaving thousands without access to clean water. Approximately 205 homes have been inundated, and 37 communities are cut off due to damaged roads, bridges, and other critical infrastructure.

Hurricane Melissa: Preparations in The Bahamas

The Bahamas has begun large-scale evacuations as Hurricane Melissa approaches, projected to arrive between October 29–30 as a Category 2 storm. The system is expected to bring 4–8 inches of rain and coastal surges of 4–6 feet, posing significant flooding risks to low-lying areas.

Authorities have issued mandatory evacuation orders for residents in the southern and eastern islands. So far, approximately 1,400 people have relocated to the capital for safety. Emergency teams are on high alert as the nation braces for strong winds, heavy rainfall, and dangerous storm surges.

The Salvation Army is preparing to provide emergency food, water, and shelter for evacuees and stands ready to assist communities impacted by Hurricane Melissa.

Hurricane Melissa: Regional Impact Across the Caribbean

In the Turks and Caicos Islands, tropical storm conditions, heavy rains, and significant storm surges were expected on October 29, according to NOAA. Bermuda may also experience hurricane conditions and heavy rainfall beginning October 30, as the storm continues its path across the Atlantic. While the United States is not expected to receive direct landfall, authorities are closely monitoring the East Coast for potential coastal flooding and hazardous surf conditions.

Updates from October 28 - Hurricane Melissa: Catastrophic Impact Across the Caribbean

Hurricane Melissa, now confirmed as the strongest storm ever to strike Jamaica, made landfall near New Hope on the island's southwestern coast around 1:00 p.m. ET on October 28, 2025. With sustained winds reaching 185 mph, this Category 5 monster has unleashed torrential rains, flash flooding, and life-threatening storm surges across the region. Jamaica's mountainous terrain has amplified the storm's destructive force, triggering landslides and widespread infrastructure damage. Power outages are already affecting large portions of the island, and officials warn that recovery may take weeks or even longer.

The storm is expected to bring up to 27.5 inches of rainfall—three times Jamaica's monthly average—and has already displaced nearly 500 people. Over 1.6 million residents are projected to be directly impacted. The Jamaican government has issued mandatory evacuation orders for vulnerable coastal communities, and the military is preparing for search and rescue operations.

In Haiti, the storm has already claimed three lives and injured 16 people. Rivers have overflowed, damaging homes, roads, and farmland, while agricultural livelihoods remain under severe threat. The Dominican Republic has reported two deaths and nearly 4,000 displaced individuals. Additional impacts are expected in the Bahamas, Panama, and the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Hurricane Melissa is forecast to make a second landfall in Cuba on the morning of October 29, 2025, likely as a Category 2 storm. Eastern Cuba is bracing for winds up to 100 mph and rainfall totals of 15 to 20 inches, with storm surges reaching 7 to 11 feet.

The Salvation Army's Presence in the Region

The Salvation Army maintains a strong and enduring presence throughout the storm-affected regions, with active divisions in Jamaica, Cuba, Haiti, the Bahamas, and the Dominican Republic. In Jamaica, The Salvation Army operates 42 Corps and 9 Outposts across two divisions. While the country lacks emergency disaster services canteens, our staff are actively engaged in outreach and evacuation efforts, particularly in Kingston's Rae Town neighborhood, where teams are working compassionately to persuade unhoused individuals to relocate to government shelters for their safety.

The Salvation Army's division in Haiti, based in Croix-des-Bouquets, is assessing damage and preparing for an expanded response. In the Bahamas and the Dominican Republic, we are closely monitoring developments and preparing to activate shelters and distribute aid as the need arises.

In Cuba, The Salvation Army has activated an emergency response team in Holguín, led by the Divisional Commander and two experienced volunteers. Coordination with government emergency teams is ongoing, and high-risk areas have been identified. Staff are carefully monitoring the storm's slow movement, which could prolong its destructive impact. Daily briefings are being held with the Chief Secretary and local commanders to ensure rapid and coordinated response.

How The Salvation Army Is Helping

The Salvation Army is mobilizing its resources to respond swiftly and compassionately to Hurricane Melissa’s devastation. Relief efforts include:

• Emergency shelter, feeding, and evacuation support.
• Coordination with local and international partners to assess needs and deploy aid.
• Preparation of supplies from warehouses in Puerto Rico for rapid distribution to affected areas.

Teams are committed to delivering critical assistance and care to those most impacted by this disaster.

Your support helps The Salvation Army bring hope and dignity to communities facing disaster. Donations are being accepted to support relief efforts across Jamaica, Haiti, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and the Bahamas.