Story perspectives

Hurricane Melissa Displaces 90,000 in Jamaica; Aid Efforts Underway

3/29/2026

Center

Hurricane Melissa Displaces

Hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica in October, displacing more than 90,000 households.
UN agencies and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) are providing essential support.
Judene Brown, a displaced resident, calls for roofs to protect families.
The World Food Programme has aided over 130,000 people with food and is transitioning to cash support.
Health facilities are over 85% restored, with emergency medical teams having conducted thousands of consultations.

Right

Texans Aid Jamaica

Texans on Mission deployed workers to Jamaica in late February to aid recovery from Hurricane Melissa, which struck in October 2025.
The hurricane caused extensive damage in Montego Bay, displacing residents, destroying schools and businesses, and leaving some without electricity or adequate shelter.
Rand Jenkins, Chief Strategy Officer of Texans on Mission, emphasized that partnership with the National Baptist Convention of America has provided food and built 52 tiny homes.

History

Historical Context

Hurricane Katrina struck New Orleans on August 29, 2005, as a Category 5 storm, causing $125 billion in damages and displacing over 1 million residents. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) faced severe criticism for its slow response, while organizations like the Red Cross mobilized to provide aid. This disaster highlighted significant gaps in disaster preparedness and response, prompting ongoing discussions about community resilience and emergency management.

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Hurricane Melissa Displaces

Hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica in October, displacing more than 90,000 households.
UN agencies and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) are providing essential support.
Judene Brown, a displaced resident, calls for roofs to protect families.
The World Food Programme has aided over 130,000 people with food and is transitioning to cash support.
Health facilities are over 85% restored, with emergency medical teams having conducted thousands of consultations.

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