Responding to Hurricane Melissa’s Catastrophic Impact on the Caribbean  

Project HOPE is responding to the devastating impacts of Hurricane Melissa, which made landfall in Jamaica as a Category 5 storm on October 28. The hurricane has killed dozens across the Caribbean and caused catastrophic flooding and landslides. More than 75% of Jamaica remains without power, and critical infrastructure, including hospitals and bridges, has sustained severe damage. Project HOPE is on the ground in Jamaica coordinating with local officials and conducting rapid needs assessments to determine how to best support affected communities.  

“People in Jamaica, Haiti, Cuba and the Dominican Republic are waking up in a world they don’t recognize,” said Chessa Latifi, Project HOPE’s Deputy Director of Emergency Preparedness & Response. “On top of the trauma, they’ve endured over this past week, so many have no homes to return to. Health workers and emergency responders will be working around the clock and Project HOPE is committed to supporting them and impacted communities over the coming days, weeks, and months.” 

Even before landfall, Project HOPE began preparing hygiene kits and medical supplies. Targeting needs as they are identified, Project HOPE’s response will include: 

• Distribution of hygiene kits for displaced families 

• Procurement of medical supplies, equipment, and pharmaceuticals for damaged health facilities 

• Water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) support, including latrine and filtration system setup 

• Shelter items for displaced communities 

• Mental health and psychological first aid support for frontline workers 

Project HOPE is in close communication with the National Emergency Operations Center and the Ministry of Health and Wellness to assess the impact of the storm on health facilities. Medical teams may be deployed to provide surge support and mobile medical units to reinforce the health system. 
 
Project HOPE is monitoring the situation across the Caribbean, including in Cuba, the Dominican Republic and Haiti, where heavy rainfall has already caused deadly flooding. The organization has an active country office in the Dominican Republic and a longstanding presence across the region, including previous responses to hurricanes Dorian, Ian, Idalia, Helene, and Milton.  

Access photos from the Hurricane Melissa response here. Direct media inquiries to media@projecthope.org.