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Join the Urgent Relief Effort for South Trelawny

Supporting our Jamaican family and friends in South Trelawny.

Urgent Relief for the ‘Forgotten’ Communities of South Trelawny

Last week, Category 5 Hurricane Melissa tore through Jamaica, leaving a trail of catastrophic destruction. While the coastal areas are getting media attention, the inland, mountainous communities of South Trelawny have been hit just as hard—and are now completely cut off from help.

This is an urgent appeal for direct-impact relief for the people of Albert Town and the surrounding South Trelawny parish, who are currently isolated and in desperate need of supplies.

The Devastation in South Trelawny

The parish of Trelawny is officially confirmed as one of the six most severely impacted parishes in Jamaica. The southern, mountainous region around Albert Town (part of the Cockpit Country) was directly in the path of the hurricane’s eyewall.

Unlike the coast, which faced storm surge, this area was devastated by two other forces:

  • Catastrophic Flash Flooding: The storm dumped over 16 inches of rain into the complex terrain, creating massive, destructive floods.
  • Widespread Landslides: The saturated soil gave way, causing extensive mudslides and “breakaways” that have destroyed homes and roads.

As a result, South Trelawny is completely isolated. A video report from Thursday, October 30, confirmed the “Road Between Albert Town & Dump Colleyville Blocked.” Aid and assessment teams are still trying to reach these communities.

On-the-Ground: What We Are Seeing

These first-hand accounts from residents and local media show the reality of the situation:

How You Can Help: A Targeted Appeal for South Trelawny

Aid reports are now confirming that Trelawny is a critical gap area. Falmouth Hospital, the parish’s main hospital, has been “severely impacted.” Large aid organizations are still establishing regional hubs, which means residents in the cut-off inland areas are currently on their own, waiting for help that is days or weeks away.

We are launching a dedicated South Trelawny Relief Fund through Mystic Rhoads Productions. 100% of all donations will go directly to people in need—no administrative fees will be taken.

Your donation will go directly to purchasing and delivering essential supplies for these communities, prioritizing:

  • Corrugated zinc and lumber for emergency roofing.
  • Clean drinking water and water-purification tablets.
  • Non-perishable food and baby formula.
  • Tarps, blankets, and basic medical supplies.

Donate to South Trelawny Relief Fund

A Concrete Goal: The Staggering Cost of a Single Roof

To understand the scale of the need, consider what one family faces. We have friends on the ground who have lost everything. Here is a baseline estimate for replacing a single zinc roof on a small 750-1,000 sq. ft. home.

  • Baseline (Pre-Hurricane): US$1,450 to US$2,950
  • Current “Real Cost”: Due to extreme demand, material shortages, and labor scarcity, the real cost is expected to be double or triple that amount.

A single family needs US$2,900 to over US$8,850 just to get a roof back over their heads.

Your contribution to the South TTrelawny Relief Fund will go directly toward this and other life-saving needs.

Other Ways to Support General Jamaican Relief

If you wish to donate to the larger, island-wide efforts, these are the most effective and trusted organizations on the ground. Remember, donating cash is by far the most impactful way to help. It is fast, flexible, and allows organizations to buy exactly what is needed, right now.

Amplify the Message

If you cannot donate, you can still have a massive impact. Please share this appeal and the official donation links. A simple share on your social media could reach someone who can make a significant contribution.

Hurricane Melissa: The Full Impact on Jamaica

To understand the context of this crisis, here are the island-wide facts as of November 5, 2025:

Current Situation: The Prime Minister has declared the entire island a disaster area. As of this week, many residents are still without electricity and running water. Aid and rescue teams are working to clear over 130 blocked roads to reach isolated communities.

Immense Power: Melissa made landfall on Tuesday, October 28, as a Category 5 hurricane with sustained winds of 185 mph (295 kph).

Tragic Loss of Life: As of November 4, the official death toll in Jamaica has tragically risen to 32, with authorities warning this number is expected to climb as crews reach more isolated communities.

Staggering Economic Cost: The Jamaican Prime Minister has announced that initial damage estimates are between US$6 and US$7 billion, an amount equivalent to nearly one-third of the country’s entire GDP.

Widespread Devastation: The storm caused catastrophic flooding, landslides, and storm surges. The town of Black River was reported “under water,” with up to 90% of its buildings losing their roofs.