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Louisville – In response to the devastation wrought by Hurricane Melissa, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) is raising funds to help those affected by the ferocious storm, which blew through Jamaica and other parts of the Caribbean this week, leaving behind death and destruction.
The hurricane, which is being blamed for at least 50 deaths across multiple locations, made landfall in Jamaica on Tuesday, Oct. 28, as one of the most powerful Atlantic hurricanes on record, according to the National Hurricane Center.
“This is a major disaster that has destroyed infrastructure, shelter, livelihoods and more. Our partners in the Caribbean will be rebuilding for many years to come, and PDA will work alongside them,” said the Rev. Edwin González-Castillo, director of Presbyterian Disaster Assistance.
PDA was monitoring the hurricane even before it made landfall as a category 5 storm in Jamaica, with top wind speeds of 185 mph. The storm also has been devastating to other parts of the region, including Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and Haiti, which was not directly hit but endured days of heavy rainfall and saw catastrophic flooding.
The hurricane killed at least 20 people, including 10 children, in Haiti’s Petit-Goâve, where more than 160 homes were damaged and 80 others destroyed, according to news reports.
Melissa’s death toll could grow since there are some communities that have not been reached. According to USA Today, which quoted Jamaican official Dana Dixon, “There are entire communities that seem to be marooned and also areas that have been flattened. … We are going to get to every single Jamaican and give them support.”
Along with the entire church, PDA is offering its solidarity, support and prayers for those affected by the storm’s severe winds, flooding, storm surge, landslides and power outages.
“As a church, we are called to care for our neighbors,” González-Castillo said. “This term (neighbors) is not only defined by physical proximity. The larger definition invites us to recognize our call to look beyond ourselves,” which includes caring for the least of these (Matthew 25:40).
The denomination has relationships with churches and various organizations in the affected countries. For example, “PDA is engaged with ACT Alliance and CANACOM (the Caribbean and North America Council for Mission) along with several direct, grassroots partners,” González-Castillo said.
Though the assessment of the damage and needs is still unfolding, PDA anticipates that funds will be needed to supply drinking water and hygiene and sanitation items as well as shelter, medicines, food, mosquito nets and other provisions.
“Appeal funds also will allow us to continue supporting our partners through the long-term recovery phase, which is crucial because this phase comes after the disaster leaves the popular news cycle and funding slows down for many organizations,” González-Castillo said.
To support PDA’s response to this and other disasters, go here. To access the Hurricane Melissa bulletin insert for your congregation, click here.
By Darla Carter, Presbyterian News Service
