Hurricane Melissa: What is MSF doing and how can I help?
On Tuesday 28 October 2025, Hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica, causing devastating flooding and widespread destruction. The hurricane then swept across Cuba and Haiti as it tore through the Caribbean.
In the immediate aftermath, although Jamaica's airport was closed, MSF emergency teams prepared for action and landed in the country with staff and supplies only a few days later.
What is MSF doing?
- MSF emergency teams reached Jamaica on 1 November and began actively assessing the most imminent needs following the massive destruction left behind.
- The teams reached the most remote areas where people have been completely cut off from urgently-needed healthcare due to destroyed roads and massive damage to regional hospitals and healthcare centres.
- A full MSF cargo shipment was dispatched from MSF's humanitarian warehouse in Brussels and reached Jamaica with medical supplies and essential relief items. This included equipment to increase the distribution of safe drinking water, hygiene kits, mosquito nets, cooking kits, and plastic sheeting for shelters.
- MSF teams started working in both St James Parish and St Elisabeth Parish in the western area of Jamaica, supporting the regional hospitals and health centres. Here, hospital operating theatres and maternity units have been severely damaged.
- In some remote areas of St Elisabeth parish, MSF teams have provided basic psychosocial support to people coming to terms with the disaster. On 5 November, we began trucking safe drinking water to these communities.
How can I help MSF in Jamaica?
Right now, our teams are responding in Jamaica and assessing the medical and humanitarian needs.
This is only possible because of donations from people like you.
By giving to our general funds today, you will be helping to ensure we can respond to emergencies around the world, like the hurricane in Jamaica.
Please donate today to support our emergency teams.
Click here to learn more about how we spend your money.
MSF and natural disasters
Catastrophic events such as earthquakes, cyclones or tsunamis can overwhelm entire communities, cities or regions within minutes.
Thousands of people may be killed and many more traumatised by the loss of family, friends and homes. However, while the disaster may occur in moments, the humanitarian consequences may last for months and even years.
Since 1971, MSF teams have taken life-saving emergency action in many of the most devastating events to hit the headlines.