Hurricane Relief Efforts underway in the Caribbean
by: Jusolyn Flower, Catie McNeil
Posted: Nov 3, 2025 / 07:12 PM EST
Updated: Nov 3, 2025 / 08:03 PM EST
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — It’s been nearly a week since Hurricane Melissa, a historic Category 5 storm, made landfall in Jamaica, leaving catastrophic damage across parts of the Caribbean.
At least 60 people have been killed, and several communities in Jamaica were completely flattened, according to officials. The southwestern part of the island, including Black River, took a direct hit when Melissa made landfall last Tuesday with maximum sustained winds of 185 mph.
Heavy rain, flooding, and infrastructure damage have made it difficult for crews to reach certain areas, leaving some residents isolated. In the days since, local organizations, including The Salvation Army‘s Southern New England Division, have mobilized to provide support.
“We are currently getting boots on the ground in all of those locations; Jamaica, Haiti, Cuba, preparing those immediate needs such as food, hydration, and temporary shelter for those areas on those islands that were impacted severely,” said Damien Carlson, the organization’s Emergency Disaster Services Coordinator.
With many now facing the reality of grief and loss, Carlson stressed the importance of emotional and spiritual care as part of their mission.
“Sometimes people just need someone to listen to them, a shoulder to fall on and feel as though they’re being heard and that someone understands what they’re going through,” he added.
The Salvation Army is accepting monetary donations here.