Jamaica and Caribbean Appeal

Jamaica and Caribbean Appeal

Huricane Melissa made landfall in Jamaica on 28th October as a powerful Category 5 hurricane, and went on to hit Cuba later the same day.

This is the strongest storm ever to hit Jamaica, with the island being battered by 185 mph winds. At least 75 people have died across the region.

The damage to the country’s infrastructure and economy is unprecedented:

· Estimates that 80% of roofs in the west of the country have been destroyed.

· Overall damage to homes and infrastructure equivalent to around 30% of Jamaica’s 2024 GPD.

· 72% of people across Jamaica did not have access to electricity.

· Likely cost of rebuilding in Jamaica estimated to be around £5 billion.

Sources: The Guardian, Independent, BBC

About the Disaster Recovery Trust

The Rotary GB&I Disaster Recovery Trust is a registered charity (number 1119688), established in 2007, which collates donations and makes grants to Rotary projects working to rebuild communities in the medium to long term following disasters.

Rather than being focused on the immediate aftermath, the Trust’s work focuses on the reconstruction and rebuilding phase.

Typical projects include constructing and equipping school and community centres, rebuilding infrastructure and providing rescue vehicles.

In recent years, the Trust has collated funds for disasters in India, Pakistan, Syria, the Caribbean, Australia, the UK and Ireland.