December 23, 2025 | fuelrelieffund
Strongest Hurricane in Recent History
On October 28, 2025, Hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica as the strongest hurricane in its history. The storm caused widespread destruction, leaving communities without power, water, and access to essential services. Families were displaced, roads were blocked, and emergency responders faced significant challenges reaching those in need. Fuel Relief Fund (FRF) mobilized quickly to stabilize critical infrastructure, support frontline responders, and help families regain access to vital resources.
Phase 1 & 2: Assisting the Hospitals and First Responders in Southwestern Jamaica
FRF arrived in Jamaica on November 2, 2025, immediately focusing on locating a fuel supply and identifying the communities that were impacted the hardest by Hurricane Melissa in the southwestern portion of the island. Our teams worked around the clock to ensure hospitals, emergency services, and relief centers could continue functioning during the critical early weeks of recovery. Key efforts included:
- Hospital Support
- Fueled Savannah La Mar, Black River, Falmouth, Montego Bay Cornwall Regional, and Black River Field Hospital.
- Supplied fuel for vehicles used by nurses, doctors, and hospital staff, helping medical teams reach patients in crisis.
- Emergency Services
- Powered generators at police stations across the affected regions to maintain public safety and emergency response capabilities.
- Relief Supply Chains
- Supported Montego Bay aid distribution center by fueling forklifts and generators.
- Distributed thousands of gallons of fuel in 5-gallon containers to communities without bulk access.
- Delivered pallets of water, food, tarps, and hygiene kits in partnership with Medic Corps, reaching families directly.
Phases 1 & 2 Impact:
- 9,900 gallons of gasoline and diesel delivered.
- 400 propane tanks (2,500 gallons) provided.
These early efforts stabilized communities, restored critical operations, and highlighted a growing need for propane as families worked to cook meals, boil water, and sustain daily life.
Phase 3: Meeting Rural Mountain Community Needs
About a month after Hurricane Melissa, it became clear that families were running low on cooking fuel and fuel to boil water. FRF shifted focus in Phase 3 to community needs, helping families maintain daily life while continuing their recovery.
- Propane for Homes and Shelters
- Distributed 1,200 propane tanks totaling 8,700 gallons directly to homes, shelters, and community centers.
- Ongoing Fuel Support
- Supplied 1,000 gallons of gasoline and diesel for generators, vehicles, and other relief operations.
- Reaching Remote Communities
- Teams traveled to some of Jamaica’s most remote mountain towns and coastal communities in Westmoreland, St. James, Hanover, and St. Elizabeth Parishes to ensure no community was left behind.
Partnering Locally for Greater Impact
Strong local partnerships were at the heart of Phase 3. By working closely with Humanity Ova Vanity, FRF was able to identify and reach the most vulnerable neighbors—including elderly residents, shelters, and community clinics. Our collaboration with the Appamong Maroon Disaster Response Team allowed fuel and propane to be distributed within Maroon Country through trusted, community-led efforts, ensuring help reached families quickly and respectfully.
From Immediate Relief to Long-Term Recovery
Phase 3 demonstrated FRF’s ability to adapt as needs evolved. By prioritizing propane distribution, families could cook meals, boil water, and restore a sense of normalcy—an important step from crisis response toward longer-term recovery. Every delivery was about more than fuel; it was about dignity, stability, and resilience. FRF was on the ground in Jamaica for six weeks from November 2nd through December 13th and every delivery was made to help the communities begin their path to recovery. We delivered in total over 22, 100 gallons of gasoline, diesel, and propane to help these communities recover from Hurricane Melissa.
If you would like to help families recover and rebuild, please consider donating to Fuel Relief Fund and help us continue this life-saving mission at https://fuelrelieffund.org/donations/give-today/
