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Hurricane Melissa made landfall near the town of New Hope (near Montego Bay) in Jamaica earlier this week. While downgraded to a Category 4 (with winds in excess of 258 kilometres per hour) from a Category 5, it still remains the strongest-ever storm to directly hit the Caribbean nation of 2.8 million people.

Through the wider region, the hurricane brought heavy rain and strong winds to Cuba, particularly impacting the eastern provinces with flooding and property damage. In Haiti, authorities have issued the highest level of alert for some departments, as communities face flash flooding and landslides. The Dominican Republic has also experienced severe weather, resulting in swollen rivers and families forced to leave their homes. Meanwhile, the Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands have faced coastal flooding, power outages and the evacuation of vulnerable residents.

Jamaica

The Salvation Army presence in Jamaica consists of two divisions, 42 corps and nine outposts. The divisions have taken proactive steps to prepare for the impending disaster, including visiting their local communities over the last week to urge residents, including those sleeping rough on the streets, to relocate to government-designated shelters.

Cuba

The Salvation Army in Cuba has two divisions — Central Cuba (Havana) with 14 corps and 25 officers, and Eastern Cuba (Holguín) with 10 corps and 20 officers.

As per reports, the hurricane is currently moving towards Holguín after passing over Jamaica. The Salvation Army has an emergency team led by the divisional commander and two experienced volunteers located in place to provide support to locals communities.

According to latest updates, community members and Salvation Army personnel are safe and monitoring the emergency closely. Community members are proactively coordinating relief efforts with government emergency teams, with recurring high-risk areas in the event of storms identified.

Ready to support

The Salvation Army International Headquarters and International Emergency Services are in regular contact with Salvation Army personnel in concerned territories, ready to support.

The Salvation Army Australia is as an advisory only at this stage. The Emergency, Aid and Development department is receiving updates and following the rapid assessments by the affected Territories.

Commissioner Miriam Gluyas has called on Salvos personnel and supporters to join in prayer:

• For those who have lost loved ones, homes and livelihoods
• For communities trying to find hope in the middle of destruction
• For emergency workers and Salvation Army teams serving on the ground
• For God’s comfort, strength and peace to be felt across the Caribbean

May those affected and those bracing for impact hold onto strength and safety for today, and hope for tomorrow.