IOM Caribbean: Hurricane Melissa - Situation Report No. 11 (26 November 2025)

Overview

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) continues monitoring the situation in the Caribbean following Hurricane Melissa, which impacted Jamaica and several neighboring islands. The storm caused extensive flooding, infrastructure damage, and displacement of communities. This situation report provides updates on humanitarian coordination, shelter needs, and non-food item (NFI) assistance as of 26 November 2025.

Humanitarian Coordination

IOM collaborates closely with national governments, the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), and other United Nations agencies. Coordination efforts focus on identifying displaced households and ensuring harmonized responses across sectors. Local authorities have prioritized the restoration of basic services and rapid damage assessments.

Shelter and Non-Food Items

Emergency shelters remain operational across affected parishes. As of this report, over 8,000 individuals are accommodated in temporary shelters. IOM and partners continue distributing NFIs such as hygiene kits, tarpaulins, bedding materials, and cleaning supplies to affected families.

The organization also provides technical support for managing collective centers, emphasizing protection standards and inclusive shelter practices for women, children, and persons with disabilities.

Impact and Response Activities

Flooding and Damage

Widespread flooding damaged homes, roads, and power infrastructure in coastal and riverine communities.
Agricultural losses have been reported, raising concerns about short-term food security.

IOM Response

Deployment of rapid response teams to evaluate displacement patterns.
Coordination with the Ministry of Local Government to scale up shelter capacity.
Logistics support for NFI distributions in St. Elizabeth, Manchester, and Clarendon parishes.
Engagement with community leaders to assess recovery priorities and resilience-building needs.

Key Priorities Moving Forward

Continue life-saving assistance and NFI distributions.
Support the decongestion and management of collective shelters.
Promote safe return or relocation of displaced persons.
Strengthen community preparedness for ongoing hurricane season risks.

Quote from IOM

“Our immediate goal is to ensure that displaced families have access to safe shelter and essential supplies while helping communities rebuild stronger,” stated the IOM Caribbean Chief of Mission.

IOM Contact

For further information:
IOM Caribbean Coordination Office
Email: [email protected]

Author’s summary: IOM intensifies humanitarian aid in Jamaica post-Hurricane Melissa, supporting displaced families, assessing damage, and coordinating with authorities for shelter and recovery.

ReliefWeb — 2025-11-27