When Category 5 Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Jamaica on October 28, 2025, it carved a path of destruction across Jamaica’s western parishes: Westmoreland, St. Elizabeth, Hanover, and St. James. Entire communities were submerged in floodwaters, roofs were torn away, homes collapsed, and thousands were displaced as basic utilities and communication systems failed within hours.
Residents from Catherine Hall and surrounding areas have turned to the Montego River for washing and basic hygiene after losing access to piped water. :: Photo credit: Contributed
For many families, the hurricane disrupted life at every level. In the days that followed, the West Jamaica Conference (WJC) immediately mobilized its pastors, volunteers, and partners to support the hardest-hit communities. As part of this ongoing effort, the Conference has invested over JMD $32 million in procuring basic food items including flour, rice, cornmeal, cooking oil, mackerel, sardines, baked beans, and other non-perishable goods, along with purified bottled drinking water. These resources have ensured that affected families continue to receive consistent, reliable support as they navigate the long road to recovery.
Care packages being distributed to support storm-affected patients and staff from the Cornwall Regional Hospital Outpatient Clinic. :: Photo credit: Vernal Comrie
Over 1,000 cases of bottled water have reached affected households across the West. :: Photo credit: Vernal Comrie
Adding to this, over 4,000 hot meals and over 3,000 care packages have been prepared and distributed across the territory. These packages include food, clothing, hygiene items, cleaning supplies, and other essentials urgently needed by families navigating the aftermath. Reconstruction is already underway. Some homes have been reroofed or fully repaired, including the construction of a new two-bedroom home for a young mother in Coote Savannah whose house was destroyed. Starlink satellite systems have also been installed in multiple locations to restore communication in areas where networks remain compromised.
Truck being loaded for a supply to support impacted households with cases of mackerel, sardines, and clean drinking water. :: Photo credit: Contributed
Bags of flour being prepared for transport as part of ongoing food-aid distribution across the western parishes. :: Photo credit: Vernal Comrie
An addional JMD $10 million has been earmarked for building materials for repairs. Recovery across Western Jamaica will require time, resources, and sustained compassion but progress continues every day. If you would like to support ongoing relief and rebuilding efforts, visit give.westjamaica.org to explore the giving options.