Ensuring children are safe and supported after the most devastating hurricane in Jamaica’s history
As Jamaica continues to recover from the impact of Hurricane Melissa – the strongest storm ever recorded in the country’s history – SOS Children’s Villages has been working urgently to protect children and young people in its care. The Category 5 hurricane brought destructive winds and severe flooding that left families across the island facing displacement, trauma, and extensive damage to homes and essential services.
Teams from SOS Children’s Villages Jamaica began emergency checks as soon as weather conditions allowed, assessing damage across program locations and coordinating closely with caregivers, staff, and national authorities. Early evaluations revealed significant destruction in Montego Bay and severe service disruptions in Kingston, prompting rapid decisions to ensure the continued protection of children and young people.
“Our top priority has been ensuring the safety, security and wellbeing of the children and young people in our SOS Children’s Villages’ programs, especially those in Montego Bay, which was severely affected,” says Marjorie Elliott, National Director of SOS Children’s Villages Jamaica. “From the immediate onset of the storm, we activated all emergency protocols, secured living spaces and assessed hazards to keep everyone safe.”
Hurricane Melissa made landfall on October 28, causing widespread damage, loss of life, and disruption across several western districts, including St Elizabeth, Hanover, Westmoreland, and St James. Roads were washed away, water systems contaminated, and many communities remain difficult to access as national recovery efforts continue.
Impact on SOS Children’s Villages’ programs
The Montego Bay program, located in one of the hardest-hit regions, suffered extensive damage. Landslides pushed mud and debris into homes, the roofs of three SOS family houses were ripped away, and boulders shattered windows. Water and sanitation systems were compromised, and damaged doors and windows created additional security concerns. Children and young people are also coping with emotional distress after witnessing destruction and losing personal belongings.
In Kingston, the Stony Hill program faced fewer structural impacts but endured prolonged power outages and water disruption after a lightning strike damaged the water pump. Staff members across the organization were also affected. Three colleagues lost their homes, and many struggled to reach relatives in isolated communities.
Swift emergency action and safe relocation
Despite challenging conditions, SOS Children’s Villages Jamaica worked quickly to stabilize program sites and create a reassuring environment for children and young people. As the situation in Montego Bay worsened, the organization made the difficult decision to relocate children and young people to Stony Hill, a community in the Kingston area. In total, 29 children and their caregivers, staff, and a program manager were safely transported to Kingston on November 4.
Available homes in Stony Hill were repaired and prepared in record time, including procuring essential items and securing all critical documentation. Upon arrival, children received beds, clothing, sanitary items, food, educational supplies, and psychological first aid. Staff who lost homes were offered counselling, welfare checks, and additional assistance. These emergency measures required significant financial support from emergency donations and personal contributions.
Restoring stability
With immediate safety ensured, the organization is now focused on restoring stability across affected locations. Repairs are underway, and SOS Children’s Villages Jamaica is seeking expert assessments to guide the restoration of the Montego Bay village as a safe living environment. Temporary learning spaces have been established to ensure education continues without interruption.
A structured psychosocial support program is being launched to help children, young people, and staff process their experiences and rebuild emotional security.
“Above all, our commitment is unwavering: the wellbeing of our children and staff guides every decision as we rebuild and recover,” says Mrs. Elliott.
Long-term recovery for stronger communities
Long-term recovery will require sustained investment. Planned measures include rehabilitating family houses, learning spaces, and infrastructure; strengthening access roads; and introducing flood-resilient features such as improved drainage, raised flooring, and protective barriers. Disaster-preparedness drills, evacuation plans, and reunification procedures are being updated, along with the exploration of backup energy solutions such as solar lighting.
Recognizing the broader impact of the hurricane, SOS Children’s Villages Jamaica is also supporting surrounding communities by distributing essential supplies and aims to expand emotional support services in partnership with counselling organizations.
Standing together
The dedication of caregivers, staff, partners, and volunteers has ensured that children and young people continue receiving safety and stability during this challenging time. With support from donors in Canada and around the world, the organization will continue rebuilding safer, more resilient environments for children and families across Jamaica.
In a message to children and young people, Mrs. Elliott shares heartfelt words of solidarity:
“I want you to know that you are not alone. What you have experienced was frightening, but your courage and resilience have truly inspired me. I am here for you and will continue to stand with you as we recover and rebuild. Your safety, wellbeing and security are our highest priorities. You are cared for. You are supported. You will not face this journey alone.”
How you can help in an emergency
The SOS MAYDAY Emergency Relief Fund enables us to act quickly and effectively to support children and families during emergencies, including natural disasters, conflict, and displacement, and to build resilience against future disasters in the communities we support.
If we raise more funds than needed to support SOS Children’s Villages Jamaica, the funds will be sent to other emergencies.