KINGSTON, Jamaica — In anticipation of Hurricane Melissa’s direct impact on Jamaica, both the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and the World Food Programme (WFP) say they are coordinating to dispense aid to any affected residents in the coming days.

The IOM says it is preparing a shipment of relief items from the Caribbean Logistics Hub in Barbados in collaboration with WFP, following the expected passing of Hurricane Melissa.

Melissa has strengthened to a category 4 storm as it meanders towards Jamaica and is expected to bring flooding, tropical storm force winds, potential landslides and storm surge.

“The shipment includes items such as solar lamps, hygiene kits, bedding (blankets and pillows), air mattresses, indoor tents, shelter repair kits, ropes, tarpaulins, and generators, which are being prioritised based on the Government of Jamaica’s forecasted needs. The items are expected to arrive in Jamaica by Thursday,” IOM said Sunday afternoon.

The supplies were made available through the support of European Union Humanitarian Aid (DG-ECHO), Goods 360, Amazon, and IOM’s MIRAC programme.

“Their contributions are positioning the organisation to act swiftly and effectively in the face of this emergency,” IOM said.

In addition to the shipment, the agency will also draw on existing relationships with AirBNB for accommodation, DHL for transportation and logistics training, and Microsoft for damage data analysis, and welcomes additional partnerships and donations to support people displaced by Hurricane Melissa.

IOM staff from the Caribbean and regional offices are also being mobilised to join the Jamaica team to support the response on the ground. Personnel will work in coordination with national authorities, ensuring that assistance is delivered in line with needs, and guided by Jamaica’s emergency management protocols.

Natasha Greaves, who coordinated IOM’s response to Hurricane Beryl in Jamaica in 2024 under a project funded by the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), is now acting as interim Head-of-Office for IOM Jamaica. She emphasised the importance of coordinated action:

“Hurricane Melissa poses a serious threat to Jamaica.  We anticipate that many people will be displaced from their homes, and in urgent need of emergency shelter and relief. IOM is working closely with the Government and our partners to ensure that essential humanitarian staff and supplies arrive quickly, to address the most pressing needs. Our emergency response team is already engaged within the coordinated national system, focusing on our core areas of shelter, non-food items, and critical data and information needs.”

She noted that IOM is experienced in emergency situations and has established relationships that will benefit the people of Jamaica at this time.

Greaves added that, “The experience and partnerships that our emergency response team developed during last year’s Hurricane Beryl response—and in previous emergencies across the Caribbean—have made us a reliable partner for coordinated, robust action. IOM’s existing and trusted regional and global partnerships, including with European Union Humanitarian Aid and organisations like the Global Empowerment Mission and CORE, are enabling us to move rapidly and will help us reach those who need help most, in the soonest possible time.”