Hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica with Category 5 force—about 185 mph winds—bringing torrential rain and widespread flooding, then made landfall in Cuba as an “extremely dangerous” Category 3 storm. Experts say it ranks among the strongest storms to hit the region and could reshape communities in Jamaica for years. Several nonprofits are providing on-the-ground emergency aid. Impact Your World will continue to monitor the situation and update verified ways for people to help.
How to Help Victims of Hurricane Melissa — Ways to Support Jamaica and Cuba
Hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica with Category 5 force—about 185 mph winds—bringing torrential rain and widespread flooding, then made landfall in Cuba as an “extremely dangerous” Category 3 storm. Experts say it ranks among the strongest storms to hit the region and could reshape communities in Jamaica for years. Several nonprofits are providing on-the-ground emergency aid. Impact Your World will continue to monitor the situation and update verified ways for people to help.
21:58, 03.11.2025Environment
How to Help Victims of Hurricane Melissa
Hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica with the force of a Category 5 storm, producing sustained winds reported at about 185 mph, torrential rain and widespread flooding. The storm later made landfall in Cuba as an “extremely dangerous” Category 3 hurricane. Experts say this ranks among the strongest storms to ever affect the region and warn it could "reshape Jamaica for years to come."
Several reputable nonprofits are already operating on the ground to provide emergency relief, including search and rescue, food and water distribution, temporary shelter and medical assistance. A central resource form has been created to list verified ways to help those affected; Impact Your World will continue to monitor the situation and update relief options as new information becomes available.
How you can help
- Donate to verified humanitarian organizations with experience in disaster response—look for transparency about how funds are used and prefer groups with a local presence.
- Support local relief funds and community organizations in Jamaica and Cuba that are collaborating directly with survivors.
- Provide material aid (only when coordinated): non-perishable food, bottled water, hygiene kits and basic medical supplies—donate items only when an organization confirms collection and distribution plans.
- Share trusted information from official agencies and reputable nonprofits to help spread awareness and direct people to verified donation channels.
- Volunteer safely through recognized organizations that handle logistics, training and safety for on-the-ground volunteers.
Safety tip: Beware of scams—confirm donation links, avoid unsolicited requests and use official charity websites or established platforms. For the latest verified ways to help, consult the central resource form referenced by relief organizations and Impact Your World’s updates.
Impact Your World and other humanitarian groups will continue to provide updates as relief efforts evolve. If you have contacts in the region, checking on their safety and relaying information to responders can also be invaluable.