Dailey and Babs: Survivors at Hurricane Melissa’s Ground Zero in Jamaica
24 February 2026
When Hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica in late October 2025, it carved a path of unprecedented destruction—now recorded as one of the strongest Atlantic hurricanes to make landfall in the region. Its most violent impact fell on Jamaica’s southwest coast, including the historic seaside town of Black River, described as the hurricane’s “ground zero.”
“One day at a time, sweet Jesus”
As Sandra Lopez, Partnership Coordinator for the Americas, listened to Dailey and Babs’ story, she was struck by their smiles and faith despite the damage to their home and the trauma they had endured. Babs shared that her hope is sustained by taking things “one day at a time, sweet Jesus.”
Long‑time residents of Black River, Dailey and Babs watched the storm devastate their community. With Category 5 winds over 250 km/h, Melissa tore off roofs, snapped concrete structures, and sent 15‑foot storm surges into homes and businesses. Entire neighbourhoods were buried under debris.
The town’s once‑lush bamboo-lined entrance was shredded and left blocking the main road.
Across Jamaica, the storm claimed 45 lives, with more missing. Over 626,000 people were affected, and up to 120,000 buildings lost roofs. Livestock, schools, hospitals, and infrastructure were heavily damaged, leaving thousands displaced and communities without power or water.
“Many Jamaican Methodists in Black River that I have been speaking to, like Dailey and Babs, have personally lost so much. But when you ask them how they are doing, they don’t immediately tell you their personal story of struggle-they have such a love for God and for their local church that they start talking about the challenges their church community is facing. This is great faith and love indeed, for the work of God’s Kingdom”.
Sandra Lopez, during her visit to JamaicaChurch Buildings in Ruins, but Hope Endures
Among the structures Melissa ravaged was the couple’s beloved Black River Methodist Church. Its historic stone walls crumbled, and the roof was torn away, exposing pews and sacred space.
Yet the church community remained resilient—gathering in safer parts of the property for worship and to coordinate aid and rebuilding.
Project Nehemiah: Rebuild and Restore
In response, the Jamaica Methodist District of the Methodist Church in the Caribbean and the Americas (MCCA) launched Project Nehemiah: Rebuild and Restore to support communities throughout St. Elizabeth Parish.
Thanks to the generosity of Methodists in the UK, the Methodist Church in Britain’s World Mission Fund was able to send a £20,000 solidarity grant to the Jamaica Methodist District.
The funding helped transport care packages, tarpaulins, and supplies to hard-hit areas like Black River. These efforts complemented national relief operations delivering food, water, and essentials.
For Dailey and Babs, this support made a significant difference: “We thank you very much for coming on board to help us,” Babs said.
Rebuilding Lives, Restoring Hope
More than 50 days later, Jamaica continues to confront Melissa’s staggering legacy: damage estimated between US$8–15 billion. Yet communities like Black River persist in rebuilding with resilience, faith, and global support.
Through Project Nehemiah and the World Mission Fund, stories like Dailey and Babs’ remind us that solidarity and compassion help transform despair into hope and renewal.
Support Partners in Times of Disaster, Crisis or Conflict
The World Mission Fund enables the Methodist Church in Britain to send solidarity support to partners facing disasters, crises, or conflict. Please consider giving to help continue this vital work: