IOM Mobilizes Early Response for Jamaica Ahead of Hurricane Melissa

In anticipation of Hurricane Melissa’s direct impact on Jamaica, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) is coordinating an early response to support national efforts and provide relief and protection to vulnerable communities which could be

impacted.

Hurricane Melissa is forecasted to pass directly over Jamaica, bringing at least Category 4 winds and 15-30 inches of rainfall for two to three days. This scenario means increasing risk of flooding, landslides, and widespread damage. The Government of Jamaica has requested support from the United Nations and other international partners to bolster its emergency response.

In response, IOM is preparing a shipment of relief items from the Caribbean Logistics Hub in Barbados in collaboration with World Food Programme (WFP). The shipment including items such as solar lamps hygiene kits, bedding (blankets and pillows), air mattresses, indoor tents, shelter repair kits, ropes, tarpaulins, and generators are being prioritized based on the Government of Jamaica’s forecasted needs. The items are expected to arrive in Jamaica by Thursday.

These supplies have been made available through the generous support of European Union Humanitarian Aid (DG-ECHO), Goods 360, Amazon, and IOM’s MIRAC programme. Their contributions are positioning the Organization to act swiftly and effectively in the face of this emergency.

In addition to the shipment, IOM will also draw on existing relationships with AirBNB for accommodation, DHL for transportation and logistics training, and Microsoft for damage data analysis, and welcomes additional partnerships and donations to support people displaced by Hurricane Melissa.

IOM staff from the Caribbean and Regional Offices are being mobilized to join the Jamaica team to support the response on the ground, including through the CDEMA lead RNAT. Personnel will work in coordination with national authorities, ensuring that assistance is delivered in line with needs, and guided by Jamaica’s emergency management protocols.

Natasha Greaves coordinated IOM’s response to Hurricane Beryl in Jamaica in 2024 under a project funded by the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF). Now acting as interim Head-of-Office for IOM Jamaica, Greaves emphasized the importance of coordinated action:

“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.”

She noted that IOM is experienced in emergency situations and has established relationships that will benefit the people of Jamaica at this time.

“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.”

IOM’s response will be managed through Jamaica’s national systems, with the organization providing technical and logistical support as requested by the Government of Jamaica. Coordination is already ongoing with the Humanitarian Assistance Committee (HAC), the UN Resident Coordinator and other UN agencies to ensure a unified and effective approach.

The team at IOM encourages the public to evacuate if you have been advised to do so, and to follow official sources for updates and safety guidance, as you prepare for life-threatening flooding, landslides, hurricane force wind, potential power outages, and limited access to essential services during the storm’s passage.

For coordination and support to IOM’s Hurricane Melissa response in Jamaica, please contact Natasha Greaves ngreaves@iom.int