On October 28, Category 5 Hurricane Melissa caused widespread damage and flooding in the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Jamaica, Cuba, and the Turks and Caicos Islands.

President Trump authorized an immediate U.S. response, tasking the State Department with mobilizing support for the affected populations. Within hours, Secretary of State Rubio deployed a regional disaster assistance response team, known as DART (Disaster Assistance Response Team), which includes urban search and rescue groups, to assess needs and provide search and rescue assistance. The State Department is working with UN agencies, NGOs, and host governments to deliver food, water, medical supplies, hygiene kits, temporary shelters, and logistical support for search and rescue operations.

Financial donations to recognized relief organizations are the best way to support emergency operations. Cash contributions are preferred. They allow humanitarian organizations to purchase the most urgent supplies locally, thus avoiding delays and high transportation costs. Furthermore, local purchases support economies, ensure culturally appropriate products, and facilitate distribution.

Humanitarian organizations assess needs on the ground and coordinate their actions with governments and local stakeholders to ensure an appropriate and adaptable response. When in-kind donations are required, agencies will issue specific appeals detailing the items needed, collection deadlines, and delivery arrangements.

Volunteering opportunities abroad for untrained individuals are extremely limited. Relief organizations prioritize candidates who are fluent in local languages, possess technical expertise, and have at least ten years of experience in fields such as medicine, logistics, or engineering. Most professionals are recruited locally to reduce costs and logistical difficulties.

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) ​​in the United States has issued warnings about scams targeting residents and donors following Hurricane Melissa. It is recommended to donate only to reputable organizations with a proven track record of disaster relief.

• Remain vigilant and always verify the legitimacy of organizations before making a donation.

U.S. citizens abroad who require emergency consular assistance following Hurricane Melissa, or their family members, are encouraged to contact the Department of State:

• From within the United States : 1-888-407-4747

• From abroad : +1 202-501-4444

They may also contact the following embassies or consulates :

• Jamaica : U.S. Embassy in Kingston — KingstonACS@state.gov

• Haiti : U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince — acspap@state.gov

• Dominican Republic : U.S. Embassy in Santo Domingo — SDOAmericans@state.gov

• Cuba : U.S. Embassy in Havana — ACSHavana@state.gov

• Bahamas and Turks and Caicos Islands : U.S. Embassy in Nassau — Bahamas.ACS@gdit-gss.com

• Bermuda : Consulate U.S. Secretary of State in Hamilton — HamiltonConsulate@state.gov

HL/ HaitiLibre