Hurricane Melissa made landfall on Jamaica early Tuesday afternoon, Oct. 28, as a deadly Category 5 storm with sustained winds of 185 mph. The island nation is currently bearing the brunt of the catastrophic storm, the most powerful to ever hit Jamaica. Wind speeds are decreasing as the hurricane crosses land.
Extreme storm surge, high winds, and as much as 40 inches of rain could devastate the country. Widespread flash flooding and landslides are expected. One-third of Jamaica is currently without power.
Samaritan’s Purse already has disaster relief specialists, emergency materials, and multiple planes on standby to respond quickly. Our response team is preparing to airlift community water systems, shelter materials, and other supplies. We are in regular communication with church partners and appropriate officials on the ground in Jamaica.
Please be in prayer for all those in the path of this major storm—the strongest on the planet this year.
Samaritan's Purse responds to humanitarian crises with physical aid and a message of spiritual hope for victims of natural disasters, famine, poverty, and war. Your gift will allow us to share Jesus' love through clean water, food, shelter, medical supplies, personnel, and other aid.