Praying for Those Affected

As Hurricane Melissa brings devastation to Jamaica and other Caribbean nations, we pause to pray for all those affected. We ask that those in the path of the storm may find refuge, support and protection. We also remember in prayer the volunteers, officers and members of the emergency services who are responding with courage, whose actions have included urging residents to relocate to government-designated shelters before the storm, as well as now assessing the needs on the ground.

Unprecedented Impact in Jamaica

Hurricane Melissa, which was classified as a category 5 storm with sustained winds reaching up to 185 mph (298 km/h), has left an indelible mark on Jamaica. This powerful system is the most severe to strike the island in modern history, prompting the country’s Prime Minister, Andrew Holness, to declare a state of catastrophe across the nation. Winds have reached extraordinary speeds and the scale of destruction has been significant. Tragically, as the weather worsened before the hurricane reached Jamaica, three people lost their lives in incidents involving falling trees. The country now faces widespread disruption, including damage to infrastructure and essential services. Humanitarian organisations estimate that a substantial proportion of the population may be affected, with many people at risk of displacement, power cuts and loss of income.

Wider Regional Effects

The effects of Hurricane Melissa have not been limited to Jamaica. As the storm moved through the region, it brought heavy rain and strong winds to Cuba, particularly impacting the eastern provinces with flooding and property damage. In Haiti, authorities have issued the highest level of alert for some departments, as communities contend with flash flooding and landslides. The Dominican Republic has also experienced severe weather, resulting in swollen rivers and families forced to leave their homes. Meanwhile, the Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands have faced coastal flooding, power outages and the evacuation of vulnerable residents.

The Salvation Army’s Response

The Salvation Army’s presence in Jamaica includes two divisions, 42 corps and nine outposts. These divisions have taken proactive steps to prepare for the severe weather, including visiting their corps communities in recent days to encourage residents to move to government-designated shelters. The Salvation Army in Jamaica also ministers to people living on the street and is working diligently to persuade them to seek safety in government evacuation shelters.

In Cuba, as shared by Ricardo Gómez, Territorial Emergency Officer for Latin America North, there are two divisions. The Divisional Headquarters of Central Cuba is in Havana, which oversees 14 corps and 25 active officers. In Holguín, about 16 hours away by land, the Divisional Headquarters of Eastern Cuba is responsible for 10 corps and 20 active officers. In total, Cuba has 24 corps and 45 officers.

Monitoring and Ongoing Support

In the Eastern Cuba Division, the situation is particularly tense as the hurricane appears to be heading directly towards Holguín after passing over Jamaica. An emergency team, led by the Divisional Commander and two experienced volunteers, is in place. Continuous monitoring of the emergency is underway, and local members are coordinating with government emergency teams. High-risk areas have been identified, and the well-being and safety of all Salvation Army members are being closely monitored. At present, everyone appears to be in a safe area.

Ricardo explains: ‘There is some concern about how slowly this hurricane is moving, as that means its effects in one place could last much longer than usual. For now, everyone is praying that it dissipates in the Atlantic, but if that’s not the case, I believe that, despite the difficult context, we are doing the best we can.’

International Emergency Services at International Headquarters is in regular contact with the Caribbean and the Latin America North territories, and stands ready to assist.

Please keep our colleagues, friends and the communities likely to be affected by this event in your thoughts and prayers.