American Red Cross supporting military personnel,
coordinating with Red Cross network as storm leaves path of destruction behind
WASHINGTON, October 31, 2025 — Hurricane Melissa has caused widespread devastation across the Caribbean where Red Cross societies on the islands and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) are working around the clock to help the hundreds of thousands of people impacted by the deadly storm.
The American Red Cross is working with the IFRC to understand where the organization can offer support in the coming days and weeks. The American Red Cross is also supporting military personnel in Cuba and assisting people relocated to Naval Air Station Pensacola in Florida last weekend ahead of Melissa’s arrival.
SUPPORT FOR U.S. MILITARY, FAMILIES The American Red Cross has Service to the Armed Forces (SAF) volunteers on the ground in Cuba, supporting shelters where military service members took refuge from the storm. Red Cross teams are also assisting people relocated to NAS Pensacola in Florida.
As Melissa came ashore, Red Cross volunteers helped coordinate storm response operations and supported more than 3,300 people in as many as 30 shelters.
Red Cross teams anticipate the need for Restoring Family Links (RFL) support for Jamaica and Cuba and will coordinate any requests with International Services. The RFL program helps families separated by international crises such as conflict, disaster or migration.
Meanwhile, volunteers continue to support and assist several hundred people relocated to NAS Pensacola in Florida. The Red Cross activated a Family Assistance Center to assist people being relocated, distributing supplies such as diapers, formula, wipes, strollers, baby food and pack and plays to those arriving in Florida. Also distributed were comfort kits containing basic necessities like toothbrushes and soap, cases of water, snacks, dog food and cat litter.
In one instance, the mother of a newborn infant discovered she had left some important items behind for her new baby. Red Cross workers found a store open at 2:00 a.m. and were able to purchase the supplies for her.
The SAF team supported a woman who had just learned of a family tragedy while her spouse remained in Cuba. The team provided immediate emotional support, guidance, and completed an emergency communication message. Through our Hero Care Network, the Red Cross connects service members, veterans and their families to free and confidential assistance, including emergency communication messages, 24 hours a day, every day.
A Pensacola sailor, moved by the needs of an expectant mother among those relocated, gathered baby items from her own child and delivered them through the Red Cross team. Her generosity inspired her to become a Red Cross volunteer. You too can help someone in need. Put on a red vest and join us. Visit redcross.org/volunteer to find out how you can support your community.
INTERNATIONAL RED CROSS RESPONSE
In Jamaica, Cuba and across the central Caribbean, Melissa destroyed homes and critical facilities such as schools and health centers. Reports indicate widespread infrastructure damage, including collapsed roads, telecommunications outages, flooded bridges, power outages and structural damage to buildings in several parts of the island
JAMAICA Melissa’s life-threatening rains triggered flash floods and landslides. Critical facilities across Jamaica have been impacted, including schools and health centers. Some parts of the island remain inaccessible. Initial Red Cross reports indicate widespread infrastructure damage, including collapsed roads, telecommunications outages, flooded bridges, power outages and structural damage to buildings in several parts of the island.
Across Jamaica, more than 77 percent of the population is without electricity, and around 6,000 people remain in emergency shelters, many of whom have lost their homes or livelihoods.
“Hurricane Melissa has left immense devastation in its wake – the situation is beyond catastrophic. People lost their lives, homes have been destroyed, and critical infrastructure has been damaged. We don’t yet know the full extent of the damage, but our teams on the ground are already seeing a massive need for shelter, food, water and health services including blood donation and psychological first aid,” said Jagan Chapagain, IFRC Secretary General.
The Jamaica Red Cross has mobilized 400 volunteers and is distributing blankets, cleaning and hygiene kits, shelter toolkits, and tarpaulins to support the most affected families. The IFRC is sending relief supplies from its hub in Panama, including cleaning kits, r kitchen sets, blankets, jerrycans, and hygiene supplies.
CUBA Damage here is significant. More than 735,000 people were evacuated from coastal and low-lying zones, and around 140,000 people were cut off by rising river levels. Reports estimate more than a million homes are damaged or destroyed. The Cuban Red Cross has more than 35,000 volunteers trained in search and rescue and disaster relief helping across the country.
“Our volunteers have been on the front lines since before the storm, helping with preventive evacuations, public awareness campaigns, and psychosocial support. They have rescued people trapped by rising rivers and continue to provide lifesaving assistance to those who have lost everything,” said Carlos Pérez Díaz, Executive President of the Cuban Red Cross. “Now, we will focus on delivering vital relief items while ensuring access to health care and psychosocial support.”
HAITI Swollen rivers inundated several villages and Haiti Civil Protection and Haitian Red Cross volunteers evacuated a fishing village in Anse-à-Veau, Nippes, helping save lives amid worsening conditions. The Red Cross Emergency Operations Center in Jérémie is active, and disaster teams are coordinating their response with local authorities.
THE BAHAMAS The Red Cross has activated its emergency operations, coordinating closely with national authorities to support the management of shelters and ensure evacuees receive essential assistance. Red Cross disaster teams are providing bedding, hygiene kits, food, water and medical items, including wheelchairs and adult care supplies. Three shelters are currently open in New Providence, with the number expected to increase as evacuations continue, and the Department of Health and Wellness has requested the use of Red Cross ambulances to help evacuate vulnerable patients.
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC Red Cross members have carried out preventive rescues and evacuations in flood-affected communities and have helped evacuate and transfer patients from the local hospital to safer medical facilities. The IFRC Humanitarian Warehouse has pre-positioned humanitarian aid in Santo Domingo, and the Dominican Red Cross has sent supplies to the southern part of the country.
HELP FINDING LOVES ONES The American Red Cross Restoring Family Links program helps reconnect families separated by international crises such as conflict, disaster or migration. If you’ve lost contact with a relative due to a humanitarian emergency and meet certain criteria, the Red Cross may be able to help. To begin this process, call our helpline at 1-844-782-9441, or contact your local Red Cross chapter and ask for our Restoring Family Links program.
After a disaster, communities could be affected by widespread power outages and limited internet connectivity which can make it difficult to reach people.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.