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Skip to main content November 7, 2025 Hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica in October as a Category 5, causing widespread damage and flooding. RICARDO MAKYN/AFP/Getty Images When Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Jamaica late last month, it instantly became the strongest storm ever to strike the Caribbean island nation. The damage was devastating. According to the U.N., approximately 1.5 million Jamaicans were impacted by the hurricane. Authorities said 32 people died and more than 100,000 homes or housing structures were damaged or destroyed. They estimate that around 36,000 people are now in need of food. The country’s rich musical heritage has also been knocked off its foundation. Members of the reggae community, especially in the western part of Jamaica, found damaged studios and wrecked equipment. “All the studios are shut down and nobody is working,” producer Wayne Jobson told Rolling Stone. “The Jamaican music business will definitely be closed for the next few weeks, as a lot of roads are blocked.” Shaggy, the reggae and dancehall artist, has been personally coordinating food, water, and medicine dispersal to those in need using a network of private planes. “People are homeless,” he recently told Rolling Stone. “There’s no running water, there’s no electricity, there’s no shelter. They were sleeping on the streets. We came in last night, we gave out water, we gave out food.” Here’s a collection of organizations and aid groups accepting donations to fund emergency relief efforts in the Caribbean. American Friends of Jamaica The AFJ’s disaster relief fund has so far raised more than $2.7 million on the way to a $5 million goal. Those wishing to donate to the org, which has been providing aid to Jamaica since the early Eighties, can do so here. American Red Cross With many of Jamaica’s roadways impacted by Hurricane Melissa, the Jamaica Red Cross is focused on regaining access to communities to deliver humanitarian aid. So far, they’ve helped provide cleaning supplies, blankets, and shelter kits to those in need. The American Red Cross has deployed a team of international responders to assist. Donate and learn more here. The Community Organized Relief Effort is recognizing its 15 year presence in Haiti, which was also struck by Hurricane Melissa, with a 15th anniversary matching fund for those who donate to relief efforts. Donations made to CORE will be matched, up to $200,000, to assist those in Haiti and Jamaica. Trending Stories No, Taylor Swift Was Not Snubbed at the 2026 Grammys Kendrick Lamar, Bad Bunny, Lady Gaga Lead 2026 Grammy Nominees Journey Announce Final Frontier North American Farewell Tour A Robotaxi Killed a Beloved Bodega Cat in San Francisco. People Are Pissed Project HOPE The health-focused organization is currently in Jamaica working to restore the nation’s health network via medical personnel and supplies. According to the campaign, the focus is currently on “lifesaving aid” in the threat of disease, continued flooding, and landslides. Learn more and donate here. World Central Kitchen Chef Jose Andres’ World Central Kitchen has earned its stellar reputation by providing meals to those affected by natural disasters and humanitarian crises. The WCK is currently working with Jamaican restaurants to help feed the country’s citizens. In addition, Andres’ org is providing kitchen essentials, from cooking utensils to actual ingredients. Help feed those affected here. ‘Dispatch’ Episodes 5 and 6: Don’t Get Drunk With Your Supervillain Co-workers Christopher Cruz People Are Using Racist ‘AI Slopaganda’ to Fuel ‘Welfare Queen’ Stereotypes ‘Mimetic warfare’ Judge Dismisses Defamation Lawsuit Against Kim Kardashian Over Wrong Photo of Death Row Inmate Daniel Kreps Thundercat Covers Diana Ross’s ‘Upside Down’ for ‘Candy Crush Saga’ Christopher Cruz ‘The Simpsons’ Drop Into ‘Fortnite’ With a Brand New Couch Gag Christopher Cruz Go to PMC.com Most Popular Dave Franco Says the Reason He Was Successful Wasn't 'Just Because' He's James Franco's Brother: 'If I Sucked, I Would've Disappeared' 'Awards Chatter' Pod: George Clooney on 'Jay Kelly,' Stardom, Instagram ("Get the F*** Off"), AI and the Next Gen of Stars Who Does Mel Pick as The Golden Bachelor Winner? Spoilers for the Finale Philadelphia Art Museum's Director Is Out Following Controversial Rebrand You might also like ‘Love Island: Beyond the Villa’ Gets Renewed for Season 2, Will Feature Season 7 Islanders 5 hours ago There's Already a *Really* Good Lookalike to the Viral Starbucks 'Bearista' Cup Being Sold Online — & It's Also Selling Fast 2 hours ago Rosalía Updates the Y2K Foxtail Coloring Trend for Los40 Music Awards in Spain 4 hours ago Great Prosthetic Makeup Design Runs Through the Nose, Brow, and Jaw 5 hours ago NYC Marathon’s Record Turnout Intensifies Age Polarization Trend 41 minutes ago Rolling Stone is a part of Penske Media Corporation. © 2025 Rolling Stone, LLC. All rights reserved. Powered by WordPress.com VIP
