Hurricane Melissa
One Jamaica, One Heart: Standing Together for Hurricane Recovery
On October 28, 2025, Hurricane Melissa made landfall on Jamaica’s southwestern coast as a devastating Category 5 storm, with sustained winds around 185 mph and powerful storm surges.
It carved a diagonal path across the island, ripping off roofs, shattering infrastructure, and flooding entire communities, particularly in St Elizabeth, Westmoreland, and St James parishes.
The Human Toll & Hardest-Hit Areas
In many of the hardest-hit areas, such as Black River and parts of St. Elizabeth, homes were left devastated — roofs gone, walls collapsed, and entire neighborhoods described as “underwater.”
Communication was severed in several parishes; power outages have affected more than half a million people island-wide.
The official death toll in Jamaica has increased to at least 28 and is expected to rise as rescue and assessment teams reach remote areas.
In isolated communities, people walk for miles to find food, water, or to check on loved ones. Relief convoys are trying to navigate roads blocked by trees, flooding, and landslides.
Critical infrastructure — such as hospitals, water systems, and power grids — has been severely impacted. For example, field hospitals are being established because the existing hospitals were damaged.
The storm also caused significant disruption to the agricultural sector, tourism facilities, and coastal communities that rely on them.
The Response & What’s Next
The government of Jamaica has declared a national disaster and, along with international partners, is organizing a response:
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Food, water, and emergency supplies are being sent out, even to communities still cut off.
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The current focus is on restoring power and communications, clearing roads, helping the injured, and stabilizing shelter and water systems.
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The entire rebuilding effort will be massive: homes, schools, health facilities, and people’s livelihoods will all need to be reconstructed — stronger and more resilient than ever before.
Our Commitment: United With Jamaica
The Ardenne Alumni Association Atlanta Chapter (AAAAC) firmly stands in solidarity with Jamaica and our fellow alumni, family, and community there who are now facing challenge after extraordinary challenge. Although our contribution may be small compared to the need, every act of support counts and helps show our brothers and sisters: we see you, we value you, and we will walk with you.
We will provide ongoing updates directly from Jamaican authorities and trusted humanitarian partners, including damage assessments, ongoing relief efforts, and priority needs. We will also share ways for you to contribute to relief and rebuilding — whether by donating materials, funds, or volunteering your support.
How You Can Help
Stay tuned to our website and social media channels for the latest verified information on what our Jamaican communities need most.
- Make a financial or in-kind donation through the established channels we will provide.
- Consider supporting rebuilding efforts later this year — homes, schools, and health centers will need assistance.
- Share the message through your networks: inform the wider diaspora about the devastation and the hope for recovery.
- We may be far apart geographically, but the disaster has touched our hearts.
- We will rise together.
- Your compassion, generosity, and community spirit can help turn this tragedy into an opportunity for resilience, rebuilding, and renewed hope for Jamaica.
🇯🇲 Drop-Off Locations for Jamaica Care Packet Relief Effort
In partnership with the Jamaican Consulate Atlanta and Jamaicans & Partners of Georgia (JAPOG)
Your generosity can make a real difference. Please bring your relief supplies to any of the following drop-off points across Metro Atlanta:
📍 Delta Airlines Atlanta
Contact: Ms. Eunice Rashford – Delta Airline Employees
Address: 1777 Harvard Avenue, College Park, GA 30337
📍 Caribbean International Shipping Services
Contact: Ms. Sharon Barnwell
Address: 3048 Miller Road, Stonecrest, GA 30038
📍 Tastee Spoon Jamaican Restaurant
Address: 4745 Ashford Dunwoody Road, Suite C, Atlanta, GA 30338
📍 Ire Mon Café
Address: 5975 Peachtree Pkwy #2, Norcross, GA 30092
📍 World of Life International Church of God
Contact: Pastor Kenneth Hanson Jr.
Address: 4881 Lawrenceville Hwy, Tucker, GA 30084
📍 Caribbean Life TV
Address: 414 North Hairston Road, Suite 300, Stone Mountain, GA 30083
📍 N & S Caribbean Market
Address: 685 GA-3, Hampton, GA 30228
Thank you for standing with Jamaica during this time of need.
Every donation — big or small — helps families rebuild their lives and restore hope.