Jamaica Red Cross preparing for Melissa with over $16 million allocated for immediate action
Published:Friday | October 24, 2025 | 11:21 AM
The Jamaica Red Cross (JRC) says it is activating anticipatory action measures ahead of Tropical Storm Melissa in efforts to minimise the impact as well as ensure a full humanitarian response if needed.
It says it is being supported by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), which has allocated CHF 80,000, or approximately J$16 million, for imminent action.
It says these funds will allow the JRC to mobilise resources, volunteers, and emergency supplies before the storm's impact, pre-position life-saving supplies, prepare emergency shelters, and ensure communities are prepared and protected when Melissa makes landfall.
"Every hour counts when a storm is approaching," says Leiska Powell, Emergency Services Manager at Jamaica Red Cross.
"By acting on forecasts rather than waiting for damage reports, we can protect communities more effectively and reduce the humanitarian consequences of this storm. Our volunteers and disaster teams are working non-stop to protect those most at risk."
The Red Cross says as part of its dual approach, in the days and hours leading up to Melissa's anticipated arrival, it will support the preparation of emergency shelters across St Elizabeth, Manchester, Clarendon, St Catherine, St Andrew, Kingston, St Thomas and Portland, in schools, community centres, and places of worship.
The organisation will pre-position emergency supplies—including 250 shelter kits, 250 hygiene kits, 250 cleaning kits, tarps, drinking water, and other essential items—to local branches and designated shelters before the storm arrives. Additionally, trained volunteers will be deployed on stand-by with necessary communication equipment, transportation, safety gear, and visibility items.
The JRC says should a humanitarian response become necessary following the storm's impact, it is prepared to immediately replenish distributed supplies and complement emergency stock, conduct damage and needs assessments to identify critical needs, operate emergency shelters for displaced populations, and establish feedback and complaint mechanisms to ensure accountability to affected communities.
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