Hurricane Melissa

Context

Formed in late October 2025 in the Caribbean Sea, Hurricane Melissa quickly intensified to a Category 5 storm, the highest on the scale, with winds reaching up to 280 km/h. Its slow progress increased the risks for Jamaica: violent winds, torrential rain, and landslides.

Even before it made landfall, at least three victims had already been reported. It is well established that climate change contributes to the occurrence of extreme weather events, and Melissa is now considered the most powerful hurricane to ever hit Jamaica since weather records began.

Faced with the significant humanitarian consequences expected, TSF immediately mobilized from its regional office in Mexico, alongside its regional and national partners.

A reactive and coordinated response

Established in Mexico since 2017, TSF is integrated into regional humanitarian networks and has carried out several capacity-sharing programs in preparation for emergencies, particularly in conjunction with the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA). An internet resilience project is also underway, in partnership with various actors including the Jamaican Red Cross. This network of actors is strongly mobilized to provide a rapid and appropriate humanitarian response to this exceptional hurricane.

Important needs in communication

The western part of the island has been severely affected by the hurricane, and the communications have been completely cut off on this area. The priority was therefore to reconnect coordination centers, specifically the Red Cross' local offices that centralize reports on the damage and act as central point for the distribution of humanitarian aid. 

“Yesterday was my first visit. I couldn't believe it was my school. I was devastated. Only now I can send the pictures of the damages. I really appreciate this.”

Simone, Jamaican Red Cross, Santa Cruz

Providing connectivity in the main coordination centers

The TSF team immediately headed to the most affected areas: Santa Cruz, then Savanna-La-Mar and reconnected the branches of the Jamaican Red Cross in both towns. TSF engineers configured the connections so that it could meet the needs of relief organizations, but also of affected individuals who can come and connect freely. 

Wi-Fi during aid distributions

TSF collaborated with the Red Cross to provide Wi-Fi connectivity during the distribution of humanitarian aid in Jericho, as well as in Mount Salem, in the low-income neighborhoods located in the hills above Montego Bay. As people waited for their turn, they could access the Internet to contact their loved ones and access essential information.

Several people were able to reach their friends and family for the first time since the hurricane struck.

"Connectivity is important because it connects loved ones.  Without the Wi-Fi, people cannot have confirmation that people are ok." 

Michelle, community member.