Ahead of Hurricane Melissa’s imminent impact on Jamaica, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) is actively coordinating an early response to support the nation’s efforts and to provide relief and protection to vulnerable communities at risk. With forecasts indicating that Hurricane Melissa is expected to pass directly over Jamaica, bringing at least Category 4 winds and between 15 to 30 inches of rainfall over a span of two to three days, the potential for flooding, landslides, and widespread damage has significantly increased. In light of this threat, an IOM release shared that the Government of Jamaica has formally requested assistance from the United Nations and other international partners to strengthen its emergency response capabilities.
To this end, IOM stated in the release that it is preparing a shipment of vital relief items from the Caribbean Logistics Hub in Barbados, in collaboration with the World Food Programme (WFP). Reportedly, the shipment includes essential supplies such as solar lamps, hygiene kits, bedding (blankets and pillows), air mattresses, indoor tents, shelter repair kits, ropes, tarpaulins, and generators. These items are being prioritized based on the forecasted needs provided by the Jamaican government. The relief supplies are expected to arrive in Jamaica by Thursday, aiming to bolster local preparedness and response efforts.
IOM also reports that the procurement and deployment of these supplies have been made possible through the generous support of European Union Humanitarian Aid (DG-ECHO), Goods 360, Amazon, and IOM’s MIRAC programme. Their contributions enable IOM to act swiftly and effectively in the face of this emergency.
Beyond the immediate shipment, IOM says it is leveraging its existing partnerships and resources to enhance its response. These include collaborations with Airbnb for accommodation solutions, DHL for transportation and logistics training, and Microsoft for damage data analysis. The organization has said it also welcomes any additional partnerships and donations to support those displaced by Hurricane Melissa.
IOM staff from regional and Caribbean offices are being mobilized to join the Jamaican team in response efforts, including support through the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) lead Remote Needs Assessment Team (RNAT). The personnel will work closely with national authorities to ensure that assistance is delivered in accordance with Jamaica’s emergency management protocols and to meet the evolving needs caused by the storm.
Natasha Greaves, who coordinated IOM’s response to Hurricane Beryl in Jamaica in 2024 under a project funded by the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), now serves as the interim Head of Office for IOM Jamaica.
She emphasized the seriousness of the threat posed by Hurricane Melissa, stating, “Hurricane Melissa poses a serious threat to Jamaica. We anticipate that many people will be displaced from their homes, and in urgent need of emergency shelter and relief. IOM is working closely with the Government and our partners to ensure that essential humanitarian staff and supplies arrive quickly, to address the most pressing needs. Our emergency response team is already engaged within the coordinated national system, focusing on our core areas of shelter, non-food items, and critical data and information needs.”
Greaves also highlighted IOM’s extensive experience in emergency situations and the importance of established relationships in enhancing response efforts.
“The experience and partnerships that our emergency response team developed during last year’s Hurricane Beryl response—and in previous emergencies across the Caribbean—have made us a reliable partner for coordinated, robust action. IOM’s existing and trusted regional and global partnerships, including with European Union Humanitarian Aid and organizations like the Global Empowerment Mission and CORE, are enabling us to move rapidly and will help us reach those who need help most, in the soonest possible time,” she remarked.
The organization’s response will be integrated within Jamaica’s national systems, providing technical and logistical support as requested by the government. Coordination efforts are already underway with the Humanitarian Assistance Committee (HAC), the UN Resident Coordinator, and other UN agencies to ensure a unified and effective response, as per the release.
IOM encourages the public to heed evacuation advisories and to follow official sources for updates and safety guidance. Residents are urged to prepare for life-threatening flooding, landslides, hurricane-force winds, potential power outages, and limited access to essential services during the storm’s passage.
For further information or to support IOM’s Hurricane Melissa response efforts in Jamaica, contact Natasha Greaves at [email protected].
all they have to do is call uncle skerro and tell him come and get his wife . cause look she there causing trouble in Jamaica. not in dca alone she doing makakwi