One Year After Hurricane Melissa: Families Embrace the Future
“We never imagined that you would be with us a year later,” says a survivor of Hurricane Melissa.
The Category 5 storm left a trail of destruction across the Caribbean — including the Dominican Republic, Haiti, and Jamaica — and claimed 95 lives.
In Jamaica — one year after the record-breaking storm damaged communities — local survivors are grateful for Convoy of Hope’s long-term relief and support.
Hurricane Melissa remains the strongest storm in Jamaica’s recorded history. Hundreds of thousands of structures were torn apart by its 185 mph winds. The damage to major agricultural sectors created economic challenges and food insecurity. Families lost their sense of stability.
Many people living in the mountain areas were cut off from help. Flooding and debris made their communities nearly inaccessible.
Convoy was determined to reach them. The team traveled along dirt roads for hours, lifting power lines out of the way of their vehicles. For Holland Mountain, Convoy’s relief was the very first humanitarian aid residents had seen since the disaster struck.
In another town, people yelled out one crucial request: “Water, water.”
Stressed and hurting families received not only bottled water, but shelf-stable food, cleanup supplies, tents, tarps, and other necessities they had lost. Hygiene items, diapers, batteries, socks, and shoes helped restore dignity in a time when nothing felt certain.
“It’s been a whirlwind,” says Ryan Grabill, Convoy’s Senior Director of International Response. “But seeing the relief on people’s faces as our supplies rolled in has made every mile worth it.”
Our work in Jamaica will continue with vision and purpose.
Through local partnerships, we are offering agricultural recovery programs, assistance in home repair projects, and opportunities for families to engage in disaster preparedness training.
In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, Convoy has given more than 240 communities the support they need. Now, those communities are building their futures.
