Seventh-day Adventist leaders across Jamaica, Cuba, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic are assessing damage and locating members after Hurricane Melissa battered the Caribbean from October 27 to 30, leaving at least 34 people dead.
The storm uprooted trees, toppled power lines, and destroyed homes and churches across the region.
In Jamaica, hundreds of Adventist members “lost everything,” according to Pastor Everett Brown, president of the Jamaica Union. He confirmed damage to Northern Caribbean University in Mandeville and said many members lost roofs, farms, and livelihoods.
Pastor Glen Samuels of the West Jamaica Conference described the destruction in St. Elizabeth Parish as “colossal,” with up to 90 percent of buildings damaged and 100 of 246 Adventist churches destroyed or partly collapsed.
Despite impassable roads and flooding, church members from across the island have begun delivering food, lamps, and essential supplies. The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) has distributed emergency kits to hundreds of families and plans to reach thousands more across Jamaica, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic.
In Cuba, church leaders reported catastrophic flooding and widespread damage in Santiago de Cuba and Holguín. Entire towns were submerged, though no Adventist fatalities have been confirmed. Pastor Aldo Pérez, president of the Cuban Union, said communication and electricity remain cut off in several provinces.
In Haiti, two churches and several schools were destroyed. Pastor Abner De los Santos, president of the Inter-American Division, said the Church’s regional offices had activated emergency response plans and would continue supporting affected communities.
