Emergency Field Hospital Established in Jamaica Following Devastating Hurricane Melissa
In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, significant relief efforts are underway in Jamaica, with Samaritan’s Purse taking a leading role by setting up a 30-bed emergency field hospital in Black River, a town severely impacted by the storm.
After the local hospital was destroyed by the Category 5 hurricane, which struck with winds reaching 185 miles per hour, Samaritan’s Purse initiated the deployment of the hospital to provide crucial medical care. This facility includes over 30 inpatient beds, an operating room, intensive care unit, emergency room, obstetric ward, laboratory, pharmacy, and blood bank.
Additionally, the organization has airlifted 100 tons of essential supplies to Jamaica. These supplies comprise community water systems capable of serving 10,000 people daily, along with shelter materials, household water filters, solar lights, and hygiene kits. Collaborating with more than 200 church partners on the island, Samaritan’s Purse plans to continue its relief efforts with subsequent flights.
Hurricane Melissa is recorded as the most powerful storm to impact Jamaica, causing extensive damage through storm surges, high winds, and flooding. Thousands remain in shelters, with power outages persisting across much of the island.
Franklin Graham, President of Samaritan’s Purse, emphasized the dire situation, stating, “Hurricane Melissa hammered a path of destruction across Jamaica, severely damaging homes, schools, hospitals, and businesses. Please pray for those who have lost so much and for our teams as we go in Jesus’ Name.”
Other Christian organizations have also stepped up to provide aid. Convoy of Hope has been active in White Hall, distributing food, clean water, and necessary supplies. Meanwhile, Catholic Relief Services is involved in securing resources and providing prepositioned shelter and clean water supplies, alongside helping locals secure properties.
The Salvation Army is also on the ground, offering emergency shelter, food, and water distribution. However, their efforts are challenged by severe damage to their facilities in western Jamaica, including widespread power and network issues.
Efforts are focused on ensuring the safety and support of Salvation Army staff and their families as they continue to assist those affected by the hurricane.
This article was originally written by www.christianpost.com
