Red Cross Movement helping 24/7 in Caribbean after Hurricane Melissa causes catastrophic damage

American Red Cross deploying international responders, coordinating with Red Cross network

WASHINGTON, November 3, 2025 - Days after Hurricane Melissa took aim at the Caribbean, the extent of the devastation on the islands is still being revealed as access is slowly opened to communities isolated by damaged roads and mountains of debris. Red Cross societies on the islands and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) are working around the clock to help the hundreds of thousands of people impacted by the deadly storm.

The American Red Cross is deploying several trained international responders, part of the International Disaster Response Team, to support processes including cash assistance, communications, relief response, planning and monitoring, and working with the IFRC to mobilize additional support as needed in the coming days and weeks.

Experienced American Red Cross international disaster responders are ready to deploy within 24 hours of a disaster to support the national Red Cross or Red Crescent society. The role of the American Red Cross in responding to international crises differs from its domestic disaster responses. Even if a large disaster occurs, most Red Cross and Red Crescent societies in other countries have their own employees and volunteers who are trained and prepared to respond to manage disaster operations. If additional support is requested by a Red Cross or Red Crescent society in another country, the American Red Cross can tap into our cadre of disaster specialists, who are specially trained to manage and participate in international emergency operations.

INTERNATIONAL RED CROSS RESPONSE

In Jamaica and Cuba, reports indicate widespread infrastructure damage, including collapsed roads, telecommunications outages, flooded bridges, power outages and structural damage to buildings in several parts of the island.

Red Cross teams are fielding Restoring Family Links (RFL) inquiries for Jamaica and Cuba and will coordinate any requests with International Services and the corresponding national societies. The RFL program helps families separated by international crises such as conflict, disaster or migration.

JAMAICA Officials report 140,000 people were cut off by the storm due to damaged roads and debris. Almost 80% of the island is without power, unable to report emergencies, reach healthcare facilities or get medications refilled. About 80,000 of those affected are elderly, as many as 40,000 are children. Thousands of homes are destroyed.

The Jamaica Red Cross has mobilized 400 volunteers and is managing numerous shelters across the island. Meanwhile, the first 64 tons of relief supplies shipped by the IFRC arrived in Jamaica over the weekend. The cargo included shelter wire, allowing families to repair or rebuild damaged structures. and set up temporary shelters using local materials. The solar lamps, which can be used for both lighting and charging electronic devices, will enable affected families to move safely at night and charge their phones and stay connected with their loved ones.

CUBA Hurricane Melissa has had devastating humanitarian consequences across eastern Cuba, representing one of the most destructive weather events to hit the country in recent decades. As many as a million people are in urgent need of assistance, particularly shelter materials, non-food items, safe water access and health protection. Over 735,000 people were evacuated from coastal and low-lying zones, and around 140,000 people were cut off by rising river levels. More than a million homes are damaged or destroyed.

The Cuban Red Cross has over 35,000 volunteers active across the country, highly trained in relief, search and rescue, disaster response and risk reduction. The first 20 tons of relief supplies shipped by the IFRC arrived in Cuba over the weekend. The shipment included kitchen, hygiene, and bedding kits, blankets, mosquito nets, solar lamps, shelter tools kits, and plastic sheeting, which the Cuban Red Cross will distribute in the hardest hit areas.

HELP FINDING LOVES ONES If you've lost contact with a relative due to a humanitarian emergency and meet certain criteria, the Red Cross may be able to help. To begin this process, call our helpline at 1-844-782-9441, or contact your local Red Cross chapter and ask for our Restoring Family Links program.

After a disaster, communities could be affected by widespread power outages and limited internet connectivity which can make it difficult to reach people. If you are looking for someone, we recommend: