Food For The Poor activates emergency response for Hurricane Melissa

Food For The Poor ( FFTP ) Jamaica has activated its emergency preparedness and disaster response plan to ensure swift assistance to vulnerable communities across the island impacted by Hurricane Melissa.

Hurricane Melissa made landfall in New Hope in Westmoreland earlier today, becoming the most powerful hurricane to strike the island.

Director of Operations and Implementation at Food For The Poor Jamaica, Nakhle Hado, said the team is in full preparation mode.

“We have already begun mobilising resources such as food, water, tarpaulins, hygiene kits, and bedding, and we are working closely with partners to ensure that immediate response can begin once it is safe to do so.”

Food For The Poor has been at the forefront of relief and recovery efforts in Jamaica for over 40 years, partnering with local churches, community stakeholders, and government agencies to deliver critical aid when disasters strike.

FFTP teams have been meeting with key response partners, identifying potential communities and coordinating logistics for post-storm distribution of emergency relief.

Further, the organisation said it is maintaining close communication with the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) and other agencies to align national response efforts.

“In times like these, unity and compassion must lead,” said, Marsha Burrell-Rose, Marketing, PR and missions manager. “We are encouraging Jamaicans at home and abroad to pray for our nation and, if possible, support our hurricane relief fund to help families recover and rebuild.”

Those wishing to contribute can make donations online at www.foodforthepoorja.org. All funds raised will go directly toward the purchase and distribution of emergency relief supplies and long-term recovery assistance, FFTP Jamaica said.

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