Hurricane Melissa made landfall on the south-west coast of Jamaica as a Category 5 storm with sustained winds of about 185 mph (295 km/h) and a central pressure near 892 mb, tying it among the most intense Atlantic hurricanes on record.
The Cayman Islands Red Cross (CIRC) has launched a monetary donation appeal for the victims of Hurricane Melissa
For more information on the Hurricane Melissa appeal, contact +1 (345) 916-3345
Or donate to the Hurricane Melissa appeal DIRECTLY:
Cayman Islands Red Cross International Emergency Appeals
Butterfield Bank
A/C number: 136-035054-0060
Jamaica's south-west coast in ruins after the path of destruction wrought by hurricane Melissa on October 28th 2025
Making sure the right kind of help reaches Jamaica
As footage of the devastation continues to emerge, the Cayman Islands Red Cross (CIRC) notes that Jamaicans living in the Cayman Islands, along with Caymanians and other residents with or without ties to Jamaica, are eager to help. The CIRC has been working closely with the Jamaican Red Cross, the Cayman Islands Government, and other key partners to coordinate efforts that meet the needs of the most vulnerable.
Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Jamaica on Tuesday, October 28th, as a Category 5 hurricane. Prior to the storm, Prime Minister Andrew Holness told The Guardian that no infrastructure in the region is built to withstand such an intense hurricane, emphasising that the real challenge lies in the speed of recovery.
The recovery process after a major disaster poses numerous challenges, including threats to physical and mental health, loss of shelter, disrupted transportation, and difficulties accessing the most severely affected areas. It also requires adapting to the rapidly changing needs of the population over time.
Immediate needs following a catastrophe can differ greatly from those that arise weeks or months later. Response workers, government officials, and volunteers are expected to face significant demands in the coming weeks and months as they continue recovery and relief efforts.
Unsolicited help can be a hazard at times like these
Unsolicited bilateral donations (UBDs) are unrequested goods sent after disasters, often arriving without notice, paperwork, or a designated recipient. Sent by people and organisations with the best intentions, for example clothing, homewares and toys, they frequently fail to meet quality standards, are poorly packaged, or unsuitable for affected populations.
UBDs are sometimes called the “second disaster” because they regularly overwhelm response systems, as seen after events like Hurricane Mitch, the 2010 Haiti earthquake, and Hurricane Dorian.
These donations can block ports and warehouses, slowing the delivery of essential aid. Processing, transporting, and storing them often costs more than their actual value, and disposing of unusable items can create serious environmental problems.
Monetary funds are what's needed in this initial phase of recovery
It is for these reasons, that the Cayman Islands Red Cross (CIRC) has launched a monetary fund appeal to support relief efforts following Hurricane Melissa. The organisation encourages anyone interested in hosting fundraising events to coordinate with them for joint efforts. More details on the specific needs of affected communities will be shared once on-the-ground assessments are complete. While the current focus is on response and recovery, Hurricane Melissa also serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing threat climate change poses to the region.
Contact the Cayman Islands Red Cross
Or donate to the Hurricane Melissa appeal DIRECTLY:
Cayman Islands Red Cross International Emergency Appeals
Butterfield Bank
A/C number: 136-035054-0060
Phone: (345) 949 6785
Email: info@redcross.org.ky
Website: redcross.org.ky
Facebook: Cayman Islands Red Cross
Other ways to support Hurricane Melissa relief efforts in Jamaica
Government officials urge members of the public to ensure their donations reach those who need it most. Only give through verified sources.
Visit www.supportjamaica.gov.jm for official ways to donate.
You can also visit the Hurricane Melissa Relief Hub at www.caymanprepared.ky/melissarelief for ways to support from the Cayman Islands.
