The Government of Jamaica has launched an official online platform, supportjamaica.gov.jm, to coordinate relief efforts and mobilize support in the wake of Hurricane Melissa. The Category 5 storm made landfall with sustained winds of approximately 185 mph, leaving extensive damage across the country, particularly in the parish of St. Elizabeth, where large areas were submerged. Over 500,000 residents experienced power outages, while roads, hospitals, and homes sustained severe damage. Authorities opened hundreds of shelters and issued evacuation orders, yet many people remained in vulnerable locations.
Prime Minister Andrew Holness highlighted the launch of the site, noting its role in facilitating national recovery efforts. “The site allows users to donate securely, submit pledges, report emergencies, and locate nearby shelters. It is designed to serve Jamaicans at home and abroad who wish to assist with national recovery efforts,” he posted on X. Users are advised to access only the official government domain, .gov.jm, as other websites claiming to collect donations are not legitimate.
The platform enables contributions via credit or debit cards, bank transfers to official accounts maintained by the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), and pledges to support relief operations. It also provides an interactive shelter locator and allows residents to report incidents, upload photos, and notify authorities about roadblocks, flooding, or damage, helping to guide rapid response and recovery efforts.
The government has published a preliminary national needs list to support response and recovery for the estimated 400,000 people affected by the storm. Donations through the site are intended to provide food, shelter, medical aid, and other essential support. The initiative was developed in consultation with private-sector partners and delivered within 24 hours, demonstrating swift coordination amid the ongoing crisis.
Meteorologists warn that Hurricane Melissa generated extreme rainfall and storm surges, with some areas receiving up to 40 inches of rain and surges reaching 13 feet along the coast. Officials continue to assess the full impact of the storm, including fatalities and property losses, while emphasizing the urgency of mobilizing resources to aid affected communities.
