In October 2025, the Caribbean faced one of the most intense meteorological events in its recorded history. Hurricane Melissa, a monstrous Category 5 storm, shattered records for rapid intensification and left a trail of destruction that will take years to repair.
As the community grapples with the aftermath, Rotary International has emerged as a central pillar in both the immediate survival and the long-term reconstruction of the region. Verwood Rotary are playing their part in contributing to the recovery efforts and supporting communities affected.
The Genesis of a Monster: How it Happened
Hurricane Melissa was a “worst-case scenario” for meteorologists. The storm began as a disorganised system in the central Caribbean on October 21, 2025. Within days, it underwent two separate bouts of extreme rapid intensification, fuelled by ocean temperatures that were roughly 1.4°C (2.5°F) above average.
- Unprecedented Power: Melissa hit southwest Jamaica on October 28 with sustained winds of 185 mph and gusts recorded as high as 252 mph.
- The “Heat Engine”: Because the Caribbean waters were warm deep below the surface, the storm’s slow movement—which usually churns up cold water and weakens a hurricane—instead provided a constant supply of “fuel,” allowing it to maintain Category 5 strength until landfall.
- Path of Destruction: After ravaging Jamaica, the storm moved through Cuba as a Category 3 hurricane before impacting Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and the Bahamas.
Impact on the Community: A Region in Crisis
The human and economic cost of Hurricane Melissa has been staggering. Jamaica, in particular, suffered its most significant disaster in 90 years .
| Metric | Estimated Impact |
| Lives Lost | At least 75 people across the Caribbean region. |
| Housing | 80% of roofs destroyed in Western Jamaica; 60,000+ homes damaged in Cuba. |
| Displacement | Over 279,000 people remain displaced from their homes. |
| Economy | Damage in Jamaica is equivalent to 30% of its annual GDP. |
| Health | Rising cases of waterborne illnesses, including a leptospirosis outbreak. |
Beyond the statistics, the storm destroyed critical infrastructure, leaving 72% of Jamaica without power in the immediate aftermath and damaging five major hospitals.
How Rotary International is Helping
Rotary’s unique structure—combining a global foundation with a network of local clubs on the ground—has allowed for a dual-layered response that addresses both immediate needs and long-term recovery
1. The Hurricane Melissa Response Fund
The Rotary Foundation Trustees established a dedicated fund specifically for this crisis. This allows Rotary districts to apply for grants to fund projects led by local members who know exactly where the help is needed most. Contributions to this fund are being accepted until January 31, 2026.
2. Strategic Partnerships (ShelterBox & Aquabox)
Rotary’s long-standing partnership with ShelterBox has been vital. Together, they have:
- Deployed shelter kits, solar lights, and thermal blankets to over 5,000 people in Kingston and the western parishes.
- Provided water filtration systems and hygiene kits to combat the spread of disease in flood-affected areas.