In St. Elizabeth, Jamaica, thousands of people were displaced by Hurricane Melissa in October 2025, alongside widespread destruction in Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Credit: Ricardo Makyn / Getty Images
Hurricane season is here — and in Haiti, Puerto Rico, and across the Caribbean, families are bracing for what’s to come.
Last year, Hurricane Melissa was a stark reminder of just how quickly lives can change. The storm devastated Jamaica and Haiti, leaving families without clean water, power, and safe shelter. Mercy Corps responded alongside local governments and community organizations to deliver clean water, emergency supplies, and cash assistance to families affected by the storm.
But our work begins long before a hurricane makes landfall — because Mercy Corps doesn’t just respond when emergencies strike, we help prepare communities for the next one and the next one after that.
Learn how you can help people in your community prepare for emergencies and mobilize when they strike.
Mercy Corps works in Caribbean communities to transform community centers into resilience hubs — equipped with solar energy, portable water storage, communication systems, and emergency kits.
When disaster strikes, these hubs ensure families have access to basic necessities, medications stay refrigerated, and lifesaving supplies reach the people who need them most.
We know early preparation saves lives — especially now, as recent U.S. government funding cuts to NOAA mean communities may have less warning time than before. If you or people you know live in areas that are at risk, here are a few steps to get ready for the hurricane season ahead:
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Build an emergency kit with at least three days of water, non-perishable food, medications, and a portable radio.
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Make a family communication plan, so everyone knows where to go if separated.
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Know your evacuation route before you need it.
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Stay informed through local emergency management channels. |
You’re a critical part of how Mercy Corps funds emergency preparedness efforts — ensuring that when disaster strikes, we can help families immediately. See how you can help people in your community prepare for emergencies.
With gratitude,
Mercy Corps
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