Flood recovery in Jamaica

In the autumn of 2020 Jamaica was battered by back‑to‑back storms, Zeta and Eta, which unleashed torrential rains, overflowing rivers and landslides across the island. Homes were destroyed, crops washed away and at least two lives were lost. The storms struck during the most active Atlantic hurricane season in over a decade, with record numbers of named storms forming before the official season ended on 30 November. As local MP Juliet Holness noted, damaged roads and bridges left many communities cut off and desperate for assistance.

Climate change is making the Caribbean’s wet seasons more intense, and Jamaica’s infrastructure was not built to withstand this new normal. The storms of 2020 highlighted how quickly a series of extreme weather events can push vulnerable communities into crisis and underscored the need for robust, locally driven recovery efforts.

Why this matters

As climate change accelerates, Caribbean nations face stronger storms and heavier rains. Rapid, flexible support from organisations like ours can help mitigate the immediate suffering and support long‑term resilience. When we invest in relief led by trusted local partners, we help ensure that aid reaches those who need it most and empower communities to rebuild in ways that suit their context.

How the donation helps

Our £3,000 donation enables Food For The Poor Jamaica to:

• deliver boxes of staple foods and bottled water to families whose homes and crops were destroyed,

• provide temporary shelter materials and hygiene kits to displaced residents, and

• fund medical care for people injured during the storms or suffering from water‑borne illnesses.

Food For The Poor Jamaica has a longstanding presence on the island and is well‑positioned to distribute aid efficiently while coordinating with local authorities and community leaders.