Healing after hurricane Melissa

Parts of the Caribbean are still assessing the damage after being hit by a Category 5 hurricane on Tuesday. This was one of the most powerful storms in history, carrying wind speeds over 150 mph and causing flooding, casualties, and catastrophic destruction.

Rescue and recovery efforts are underway, but storm damage has made them difficult. The region is experiencing disruptions to power, communication, and transportation, and the death toll continues to rise. Many nations have pledged their support, and the United States has sent rescue and response teams to aid recovery efforts.

This is the first Category 5 storm in recorded history to make landfall in Jamaica, and well over a million people are expected to be affected. Organizations including, but not limited to, the American Red Cross, Americares, CARE, CORE, the Footprint Project, GOD360, and the Salvation Army have mobilized to assist.

The Kimathi Campaign will also be lending its support to the Caribbean community. We are actively working to raise funds for those affected and will be announcing a Block Party to raise awareness, draw in support, and show solidarity with those in Baltimore who have friends and family suffering through the storm.

Jamaican officials have also launched the Support Jamaica website at https://supportjamaica.gov.jm/, where donations can be made. They are urging supporters to be cautious of individuals or organizations falsely claiming to collect funds on behalf of the government.

The storm made landfall in Cuba a day later, causing significant damage. It has since weakened as it moves through the Bahamas. Haiti has also been severely affected, reporting more than 20 deaths after a river flooded and burst its banks.

We continue to pray for all those affected.