Hurricane Melissa and Its Impact on Jamaica: A Story of Resilience and Recovery
In late October 2025, Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Jamaica marking one of the most intense storms in the island’s history. As a powerful Category 5 hurricane, with sustained winds exceeding 185 mph and torrential rainfall, Melissa brought catastrophic flooding, destructive winds, and life-threatening storm surges that swept across communities.
Thousands of homes were damaged or destroyed whilst heavy flooding isolated remote communities with more than 77 % of the island having lost electricity.
Freight Deliveries: A Critical Link in Relief
In the wake of the devastating hurricane, a wide-ranging humanitarian aid response raced into action.
International humanitarian aid organizations stepped up to deliver critical supplies including shelter kits, emergency medical equipment and hygiene supplies.
These initial freight deliveries supported families build temporary shelter, maintain safety and critically stay connected as recovery efforts took shape.
Humanitarian Aid Mobilization: the SEKO and Airlink partnership
To reach vulnerable communities as quickly as possible, despite the damaged infrastructure, efficient freight deliveries were critical to support the ongoing support efforts: from relief supplies to food, water and medical kits.
Joining forces when needed the most, SEKO and Airlink together delivered 250 pallets of aid with a total weight of 98,474kg via charter and air cargo shipments from our Miami aid relief hubs.
The shipments included aid that was critical for immediate relief and would support communities as they mitigated the effects of the hurricane from:
- Water filters and hygiene and cleaning kits
- Communication devices and technology with radios, generators, solar lights, WIFI spots and solar-powered USB charging devices
- Medical supplies and equipment—including a self-sufficient field hospital that includes flooring systems, tents and shelters for clinical and logistical zones
- Nutritious food, including single breakfast meal boxes, stable shelf food of mixed vegetables, barley, and meal kits
- Shelter supplies from tarps to air mattresses
- Family necessity items of cleaning kits, personal care items, children’s meals, buckets, and water filters.
Estimated help: a total of 573,000 people.
Partners helped: Water Mission, Operation BBQ Relief, CORE, Project HOPE, Operation Blessing, Food for the Poor, Wine to Water / Good 360, Salvation Army USA, Global Empowerment Mission, Unite to Light.
Looking Ahead to Rebuild Communities
Although the immediate crisis has passed, Jamaica remains in need of substantial support to rebuild. Recovery efforts are ongoing to help rebuild livelihoods and restore essential services. Airlink and SEKO will continue to help alongside key partners providing humanitarian aid and services.
Every move matters, and some matter more than others.
At SEKO, we are incredibly proud to partner with Airlink, a non-profit organization dedicated to disaster relief efforts. This longstanding partnership continues to provide substantial support to communities in need all over the world.
