Significant damage after hurricane Melissa hits Jamaica
Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Jamaica on October 28, 2025, causing widespread devastation across the island. Our teams in Jamaica have been working tirelessly to ensure the safety and wellbeing of every child, young person and staff member in our care. While the damages are extensive, we are deeply grateful that everyone is safe in both our Montego Bay and Stony Hill (Kingston) villages.
The Village Director in Montego Bay shares this message:
“We are like a major disaster zone. However, all children, young people and staff are safe, though in major shock from the storm.
[SOS Children’s Villages] has suffered major damage caused by mudslides; also, my apartment roof is off. A lot of water came in on some of the houses. We had to create a [temporary] shelter for two of the family houses. Two external houses on the hill came down on us, and three of our houses suffered from mudflow. The eldercare facility also suffered damages. The roadway to the village is impassable, and people are trying to have it cleared.”
From Kingston, the Board Chair confirmed:
“I just visited Stony Hill [Kingston]. All is well there. Lots of tree damage, but houses remain intact with minimal impact. As for Montego Bay, the houses are mostly standing, but there is extensive mud damage and loss of rooftops. We will most likely have to move the children to another location.”
Our immediate focus is ensuring that children and families have safe shelter, access to clean water, and emotional support as they recover from this traumatic experience. Local teams are coordinating with emergency services to clear blocked roads and assess the full extent of the damage. Over the next several days, they will evaluate relocation needs and begin planning for recovery and repairs.
We will continue to share updates.
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.