Hurricane Melissa made landfall as a Category 5 storm last week and has left large areas of Jamaica completely devastated. Early assessments show widespread destruction of housing, public infrastructure and farmland, water, power and communications cuts, as well as an urgent humanitarian need for food, water, medicine and shelter. The reported death toll is approaching 50, though many more are likely as the country digs out of the damage, and nearly half a million Jamaicans were left without power after the storm and a large number remain without communications, according to Reuters.
Singer-rapper-songwriter Shaggy – born in the Jamaican capital Kingston – has worked to mobilize relief efforts to bring emergency supplies to hard-hit communities. Working on the ground with partners, including humanitarian NGOs and private donors, Shaggy has helped coordinate and fund flights of food, water, medical supplies and household items to the affected country.
Photo: Garfield Robinson
“Jamaica is my home,” Shaggy said. “I have seen the heartbreak on people’s faces and I will do everything I can to get help where it is needed. We are working with local leaders and trusted aid organizations to put supplies in their hands and get power and water restored as quickly as possible. We urgently need global attention and support to help rebuild our communities.”
(Note: social media reports that Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler organized aid for the country are fakeconfirms a rep for Tyler Amount.)
The following organization is working to help with assistance:
The Government of Jamaica established the Hurricane Melissa Relief initiative, coordinated by the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), Jamaica’s national agency for disaster preparedness, response and recovery. (I’M UNLOCKING)
Food for the Poor actively expands relief operations and coordinates transport and field teams to reach storm-affected congregations. Individuals and organizations wishing to donate or coordinate with established relief channels are encouraged to visit Food For The Poor’s emergency Melissa relief page. (Food for the poor)
Global Empowerment Mission (GEM) is a non-profit organization focused on disaster relief and sustainable development. (GEM)
(Disaster Risk Management) has declared disaster areas and is coordinating national efforts and recovery (Office of the Prime Minister of Jamaica)
