Rotary's Hurricane Appeals

Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Jamaica on 28th October as a powerful Category 5 hurricane, and went on to hit Cuba later the same day.

Hurricane Melissa is the strongest storm ever to hit Jamaica, with the island being battered by 185mph winds. At least 75 people have died across the region.

The damage to the country’s infrastructure and economy is unprecedented: 

• Estimates that 80% of roofs in the west of the country have been destroyed
• Overall damage to homes and infrastructure equivalent to around 30% of Jamaica’s 2024 GPD
• 72% of people across Jamaica did not have access to electricity
• Likely cost of rebuilding in Jamaica estimated to be around £5bn

Rotary has launched two appeals to support those affected:-

The Rotary Foundation

A new Hurricane Melissa Response Fund will support immediate relief efforts. Donors can give directly to relief efforts led by Rotary members. Contributions will be accepted until 31st January 2026.

Donors from within Great Britain and Ireland are encouraged to route their donations to the Hurricane Melissa Response fund through Rotary Foundation of the United Kingdom (RFUK) in order to take advantage of Gift Aid.

Rotary GB&I Disaster Recovery Trust

Established in 2007, the Trust collates donations and makes grants to Rotary projects working to rebuild communities in the medium to long term following disasters.

Rather than being focused on the immediate aftermath, the Trust’s work focuses on the reconstruction and rebuilding phase following a disaster. Donate >