New Zealand Red Cross has launched the Hurricane Melissa
Emergency Appeal to support people affected following the
landfall of the Category 5 storm that struck Jamaica, Haiti
and other parts of the Caribbean region, causing
catastrophic damage and widespread humanitarian
need.
Lives have been lost, people remain missing, and
thousands have been displaced after homes and infrastructure
were destroyed by sustained winds exceeding 280 km/h and
heavy flooding.
Reports estimate that hundreds of
thousands of people are without power, hospitals and schools
are damaged, and thousands remain displaced. The World
Meteorological Organization has described Melissa as the
worst storm ever recorded to hit Jamaica.
The Jamaica
Red Cross, supported by the International Federation of Red
Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has mobilised
hundreds of volunteers to distribute food, clean water and
hygiene kits, manage shelters and provide first aid and
medical care to those affected.
“Our thoughts are
with everyone affected by Hurricane Melissa,” says Sarah
Stuart-Black, Secretary General of New Zealand Red
Cross.
“We’ve seen again how quickly lives
can be upended by disasters of this scale. Through this
appeal, New Zealanders can help ensure vital aid reaches
those who need it most – clean water, shelter and medical
care.”
Funds raised through the Hurricane Melissa
Emergency Appeal will help support the immediate Red Cross
response in Jamaica and across the Caribbean enabling local
teams to continue providing life-saving assistance,
early-recovery and ongoing support on their long journey to
recovery.
Every donation makes a difference for
communities beginning the long journey to rebuild after this
disaster.
How to help
Donations
can be made via the New Zealand Red Cross website: www.redcross.org.nz/hurricane
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