Methodist communities respond to Hurricane Melissa’s devastation in Jamaica
05 November 2025
In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, Jamaica is facing a humanitarian crisis. Communities in Westmoreland and St. Elizabeth have been severely impacted (southwestern Jamaica), with widespread shortages of food, water, and fuel. Damaged roads have hindered the delivery of ground aid.
Over 400,000 people across the island are still without power, with 90% of homes destroyed in St Elizabeth Parish. Unconfirmed deaths in Westmoreland are feared to be high. Field hospitals have been set up to treat people, and the government is alerting the population to the need to practice safe water consumption.
The Jamaican government has suspended import duties to accelerate aid distribution, and 200 Starlink devices have been deployed to restore connectivity. Field hospitals are operating in the west, and the Health Ministry is urgently appealing for blood donations. Amid these challenges, stories of courage, resilience, and faith are emerging from affected communities.
Circuits of the Jamaica District of the Methodist Church in the Caribbean and the Americas (MCCA) are actively assessing damage and identifying urgent needs. Early reports confirm widespread destruction to church buildings, schools, manses, and members’ homes.
The Methodist Churches in Britain and Ireland have approved a joint grant of £24,000 from the World Mission Fund to support the Jamaica Methodist District’s relief efforts.
Our partner churches are often the first responders to disasters and emergencies in their context, providing almost immediate aid and spiritual support. The World Mission Fund enables us to partner with them quickly in this response.
World Mission Fund - The Methodist Church
This solidarity grant complements the ongoing Hurricane Melissa Appeal, jointly led by the Methodist Church in Britain and All We Can. Your ongoing, generous support to this appeal will bring hope to those in need in the Caribbean, and we also continue to be in touch with friends in the Methodist Church in Cuba and the MCCA’s Haiti District as they assess the extent of the damage.
Revd Wayneford McFarlane, District Secretary of the Jamaica Methodist District says, “We do need your continued prayerful support and other tangible ways you can help”.
He also offered the following prayer points for those wishing to stand in prayer solidarity with Jamaica:
- Orderly distribution of relief packages
- Safety and strength of relief works
- Wider distribution of relief packages - some areas are still inaccessible due to rising waters and debris especially in very remote areas
- Hope to shine through the rubble and suffering
- Resilience for the pastoral staff
- Swift but sustained help. It will take a long time to rebuild
Prayer and appeal for those affected by Hurricane Melissa - The Methodist Church