Hurricane Melissa created major challenges across Westmoreland, St. Elizabeth, Hanover, and surrounding areas. Several countries and international companies responded with emergency funds, supplies, and equipment to support recovery efforts.
United States
The United States announced more than US$22 million in assistance. The support includes search-and-rescue teams, clean water units, and emergency shelters for families affected by the storm.
Canada
Canada provided over CA$11 million to help restore essential services and support early rebuilding. The aid includes food support, infrastructure repairs, and shelter resources.
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom offered £7.5 million in emergency support. Naval teams also delivered supplies and helped move people from areas cut off by flooding and road damage.
Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic sent 628 tonnes of water, food items, medical tools, and temporary shelter materials. These goods supported residents in areas with limited access to local markets.
Guyana
Guyana supplied generators, heavy-duty chainsaws, tarpaulins, and hygiene kits. These items supported road clearing, home repairs, and community cleanup efforts.
International Companies Supporting Relief
T-Mobile
T-Mobile launched a donation-matching program for customers and shipped emergency communication devices to Jamaican relief groups. The devices are helping teams coordinate work in areas where cell service was disrupted.
The Walt Disney Company
The Walt Disney Company committed US$1 million to support food aid, shelter programs, and recovery services. This contribution helped expand the work of humanitarian groups on the island.
Airbnb
Airbnb.org activated its global disaster response platform to offer free temporary stays for residents displaced by the storm. The service helped families who lost homes or needed safe housing.
United Airlines
United Airlines supported relief flights carrying medical teams, generators, and water filtration systems to Jamaica. The airline also helped move large shipments of food and emergency gear. Several Jamaican crew members took part in the mission, helping deliver aid to communities affected by the storm. The airline committed US$300,000 and 1 million MileagePlus miles to partner organizations involved in disaster response. United also launched a matching program for public donations, offering up to US$25,000 and 250,000 miles for each participating relief group through its campaign.
American Airlines
American Airlines transported thousands of pounds of supplies, including hygiene kits and medical items, to support shelters and health centers in the western parishes.
JetBlue
JetBlue coordinated flights carrying water filters, emergency tools, and other relief supplies. The airline worked with partners to move critical items into the country as soon as airports reopened.
Airlink
Airlink transported medical gear, generators, and logistics teams into affected areas. Their flights helped move materials used for field operations and community cleanup programs.
Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival Cruise Line is redirecting several of its ships to Ocho Rios as Jamaica recovers from Hurricane Melissa, since it is the only major port currently able to receive visitors. The company is helping local communities by keeping tourism activity flowing, which supports jobs and small businesses in the area. Carnival has also delivered relief supplies and contributed funds through its partnerships to assist recovery efforts across the island.
Photo – United Airlines
