Hurricane Melissa devastates Jamaica, prompts regional blood and humanitarian aid

Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm, caused significant devastation in Jamaica, particularly in St. Elizabeth parish, the ancestral home of WPP Canada president Kevin Johnson. The storm resulted in at least 28 deaths in Jamaica and caused widespread destruction, leading to urgent appeals for aid, including blood donations to support trauma care. The Cayman Islands Blood Bank has contributed blood supplies, and Jamaica's Ministry of Health and Wellness has launched a national blood drive to meet increased demand. Jewish and Israeli organizations have also mobilized aid efforts, focusing on water, sanitation, mental health, and emergency relief despite damage to their own facilities. Additionally, Jamaica's Ministry of Health is mobilizing primary care facilities in five severely affected parishes to provide triage and outpatient services, aiming to ease hospital burdens during ongoing recovery. These coordinated relief efforts highlight a broad regional and international response to address the immediate and long-term health impacts of the hurricane.