Kingston, Jamaica – October 30, 2025 — Hurricane Melissa has left widespread destruction across Jamaica after slamming into the island’s southwest coast on Monday, October 28, with winds nearing 300 kilometres per hour, torrential rains, and a storm surge of almost four metres. The storm, described as a “monster,” is among the most powerful hurricanes ever recorded in the Caribbean region.
Entire communities have been cut off, with major roads blocked, and key infrastructure — including hospitals, schools, and water networks — severely damaged. Thousands of homes remain without power, running water, or safe shelter, prompting Jamaican authorities to declare the entire country a disaster area and to appeal for urgent international assistance.
In rapid response, the French Red Cross, through its Americas-Caribbean Regional Intervention Platform (PIRAC) based in Guadeloupe, has deployed humanitarian experts and emergency equipment to assist the Jamaican Red Cross and national relief operations.
According to a release from PIRAC, the operation — supported by France’s Crisis and Support Centre — focuses on three key areas:
Distribution of 500 family kits, transported by the French Armed Forces in the West Indies, containing essential hygiene, shelter, and kitchen supplies.
Deployment of two water treatment units to restore access to safe drinking water, coordinated with the Jamaican Ministry of Health and the national WASH cluster.
Deployment of technical experts, including PIRAC staff and water treatment specialists from the Veolia Foundation, to support field logistics, coordination, and water production.
Jérémie Sibéoni, Head of Delegation for PIRAC, said the Red Cross network mobilised swiftly to meet urgent needs:
> “Hurricane Melissa struck with phenomenal intensity, reminding us how climate disasters are becoming more violent and unpredictable. Thanks to the strength of the Jamaican Red Cross on the front line and the support of the rest of the Movement, we were able to act from the very first hours to protect the most vulnerable populations.”
The French Red Cross has also launched an appeal for donations to ensure long-term recovery support for affected communities, particularly those most vulnerable to climate shocks such as women, children, and families living in poverty.
(Donations can be made online at https://donner.croix-rouge.fr/pirac.)
Founded in 2005, PIRAC serves as the French Red Cross delegation for the Caribbean region, coordinating humanitarian response and resilience programs across the Caribbean arc and the Guiana Shield.
For more information, visit www.pirac.croix-rouge.fr or follow PIRAC on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
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