Hurricane Melissa: Jamaica’s Road to Recovery
October 2025 – La Familia Movements
Hurricane Melissa has left Jamaica in a state of devastation, with Saint James and surrounding parishes bearing the brunt of the storm’s fury. Torrential rains, life-threatening winds, and severe flooding have torn through homes, destroyed businesses, and left thousands without food, clean water, or electricity.
In Montego Bay, the few petrol stations that managed to reopen are now under immense pressure. Motorists and residents carrying plastic containers lined up for hours in a desperate attempt to secure fuel. For many, gasoline has become more than a luxury; it’s a lifeline.
A Nation in Survival Mode
Across Jamaica, the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa continues to unfold. While the number of Jamaicans seeking refuge in emergency shelters has dropped from over 25,000 to about 13,000, thousands more remain stranded or struggling to recover. Many have returned home only to find their communities unrecognizable—houses flooded, roads washed away, and power lines torn down.
Entire neighborhoods in Saint James, Hanover, and Trelawny have been reduced to rubble. Schools, churches, and hospitals have suffered significant damage. Families who once lived comfortably now face days of uncertainty, unsure where their next meal will come from or when the lights will return.
Daily video updates on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/t/
LFM’s Commitment to Jamaica
At La Familia Movements (LFM), our mission has always been about community, unity, and hope—and in this moment, Jamaica needs all three. We are working tirelessly to connect with organizations, donors, and volunteers across Los Angeles and the wider diaspora to deliver relief directly to the people who need it most.
“This is more than a natural disaster,” said Nollis Dewar, Executive Director of LFM. “It’s a humanitarian crisis. Rebuilding Jamaica will take months, maybe even years. It starts with all of us coming together.”
The Long Road to Rebuilding
Recovery will require collective effort and sustained support. The rebuilding process includes:
· Reconstructing homes, schools, and community centers destroyed by flooding and wind.
· Providing clean water, fuel, and power solutions to affected families.
· Offering trauma and mental health support for youth and families.
· Assisting local farmers and business owners whose livelihoods were wiped out.
· Strengthening Jamaica’s long-term disaster preparedness and infrastructure.
How You Can Help
The road ahead is long, but you can make a difference.
Join La Familia Movements in supporting the Hurricane Melissa Relief Effort:
· Donate to our official relief fund: every dollar helps provide food, water, and emergency supplies.
· Volunteer or partner with us to gather and send aid from Los Angeles, California.
· Share and spread awareness to keep Jamaica’s recovery at the forefront of global attention.
Rebuilding Jamaica will take time, compassion, and unwavering faith. But together through unity and love we can help our brothers and sisters rise again.