A rapid, multifaceted response led by Haiti Air Ambulance and a global consortium delivered critical aid and data to hurricane-affected Jamaica.
📍 Jamaica
Hurricane Melissa’s devastating landfall in Jamaica on October 28th triggered an immediate and coordinated response, spearheaded by Haiti Air Ambulance and a remarkable coalition of partners. Recognizing the scale of the devastation impacting nearly 1.6 million people, the consortium, funded by a significant $1 million grant from the United States Department of State and bolstered by private donations, swiftly mobilized to provide essential relief. This included Medic Corps, LIFT Nonprofit Logistics, and Development Impact Global Group (DIGG), creating a dynamic team that leveraged individual strengths to become one of the fastest responders to the crisis.
The consortium’s operations were a testament to logistical ingenuity and collaboration. Utilizing helicopters and trucks from October 30th to November 22nd, they reached over 106 affected towns and villages, facilitated by a staggering 300 helicopter flights and a continuous flow of in-kind donations. Partners like UK Aid, the Government of Colombia, and the Sandals Foundation contributed crucial supplies, while SpaceX/Starlink provided vital communication support. Through a dedicated hangar, the team processed a remarkable 15,737 food kits, delivering a total of 446,930lbs of food, alongside 6,219 cases of water, 2,599 hygiene kits, and 2,140 tarp bales.
Crucially, the consortium didn't just distribute supplies; they provided invaluable data. By conducting community needs assessments and working closely with local leaders, they generated real-time insights that were directly fed into government and UN information management systems. This data-driven approach, coupled with active collaboration with the Jamaican Constabulary Force, the US Army, and regional organizations like CDEMA, ensured that aid was targeted effectively, supporting agile decision-making and maximizing the impact of the response, even incorporating the Jamaican Defense Force.
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HurricaneMelissa Jamaica DisasterResponse HumanitarianAid Collaboration NGOs Caribbean Recovery