As Hurricane Melissa bore down on the Caribbean in late October, we were watching closely, even as our teams were already deployed in Alaska and Mexico to help communities pick up the pieces from record flooding.
Jamaica ended up being struck by the strongest hurricane to ever hit the island. The fatal storm caused at least 32 human deaths and an unknown number of animal fatalities. About 125,000 people had to flee their homes, displaced due to flooding and landslides. The storm severely damaged buildings, roads and power supplies. At one point, over 75% of the island was without electricity.
Many of Jamaica’s animal shelters had no power and were cut off from food, clean water and other essential supplies. The staff and volunteers at these animal shelters were not only dealing with the devastating effects of the hurricane on their own lives and community, but they also urgently needed extra support to care for their animals. When they reached out to us for support, our Animal Rescue Team didn’t hesitate to head their way.
“The level of destruction here is almost beyond comprehension,” Gaia Bonini, director of international disaster response at Humane World for Animals, who is leading the deployment in Jamaica, told me. “Many of the hardest-hit areas remain inaccessible and out of contact; many animal shelters are cut off from food, power, clean water and basic supplies.”
The team focused on helping animals in crisis and bringing comfort and reassurance to community members. We delivered crucial supplies—including animal food and medicine—and equipment to local shelters and communities struggling in the aftermath of a devasting disaster.
Grettel Delgadillo/Humane World for Animals
Negril Puppy Rescue, the only animal shelter in Negril, Jamaica, is run by a team of dedicated volunteers. They currently have 90 dogs who they kept safe during the storm in their care. Our team provided them with 200 pounds of pet food and other supplies to see them through the coming days.
Montego Bay Animal Haven, a rescue run by a small team of animal lovers, faced significant challenges following the hurricane. As one of the hardest-hit areas, the shelter building itself suffered extensive damage, and debris left by the storm temporarily blocked the main roads leading to the facility. The shelter is caring for 130 dogs, and our team is helping them to evaluate their needs and seeing how we can help them long term.
James McEntee/AP Images for Humane World for Animals
Earlier this week, our responders drove south of Negril toward Black River, observing increasingly severe damage. While our primary goal is to provide animal-focused support, it is also essential to recognize that the health of animals is interconnected with the health of human beings as well as the environment. To help meet critical needs and develop organizational trust within the community, our team distributed animal food and supplies, as well as small humanitarian relief packets that included bottled water, soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste and basic food. Given that power is still out in some areas, we aim to also provide solar lights and solar fans to alleviate some community needs.
James McEntee/AP Images for Humane World for Animals
Disasters affect everyone, and they are occurring with greater frequency, geographical scope and intensity. And yet, after the storm clouds from Hurricane Melissa dispersed, the news cycle swiftly moved on. But we did not. The pain experienced by these communities persists, as does their determination to rebuild their lives. They will be recovering for a long time.
To help them, our teams consider both short- and long-term response, because helping in the immediate aftermath may be most urgent, but so much harm can be prevented in disaster planning and preparedness during “blue sky days.” It is an honor to be able to do this work for animals and the people who care for them.
James McEntee/AP Images for Humane World for Animals
It is your support that makes this work possible. Please consider donating to our Emergency Animal Relief Fund.
Kitty Block is president and CEO of Humane World for Animals. Follow Kitty Block.
