Aid Networks Mobilize Ahead of Hurricane Melissa

A rapidly intensifying Hurricane Melissa has strengthened into a Category 5 storm poised to strike Jamaica, with forecasters warning of historic flooding and severe impacts. Communities across the U.S., including Miramar, Philadelphia, Milwaukee and Connecticut, are organizing donation drives, drop-off locations and fundraisers to help relatives and communities in Jamaica. National and local nonprofits are pre-positioning and mobilizing aid: Good360 is coordinating with partners such as Global Empowerment Mission to stage generators, shelter materials and essentials, while Brother’s Brother Foundation is sending pallets of hygiene kits, hard hats and cleaning supplies to Florida and Jamaica. U.S. officials are advising Americans in Jamaica to shelter in place amid faltering communications as evacuations and mass sheltering take place. Organizers say volunteers are packing supplies and are requesting specific items — tarps, generators, canned food and hygiene kits — and they urge donors to give through vetted organizations and follow Better Business Bureau guidance to avoid scams.