JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla — In the wake of the devastating Hurricane Melissa, residents of Jamaica are facing unimaginable challenges. Responding to this crisis, a dedicated group from Florida’s First Coast is rallying to extend a helping hand. However, they emphasize that their efforts cannot succeed without the community’s support through donations and other forms of assistance.

Hurricane Melissa, which struck last week as a formidable Category 5 storm, has left a trail of destruction across Jamaica. Entire communities have been decimated, with roads rendered impassable due to mudslides and flooding. The aftermath has left families in dire need, deprived of basic necessities such as food, clean water, and shelter.

Onur Topac, affiliated with the Blessed Bible Mission in Jacksonville Beach, has a wealth of experience in disaster recovery. Having worked through over a dozen hurricanes, he notes that the devastation from Hurricane Melissa is particularly severe. “I’ve worked the last 14 or 15 hurricanes on record,” Topac stated. “My background is in recovery and private security after disasters. This is one of the worst that I’ve ever seen.”

“I’ve worked the last 14 or 15 hurricanes on record,” he said. “My background is in recovery and private security after disasters. This is one of the worst that I’ve ever seen.”

Having grown up in Florida, Topac understands the destruction hurricanes can bring. With a coalition of nonprofits across the nation, he is helping coordinate relief efforts for families impacted by Hurricane Melissa.

Amy Sins, founder of the nonprofit group Fill the Needs, said many communities were already underserved before the storm and now are feeling the brunt of the damage.

She shared video footage showing a village of 1,200 residents where about 65 homes were destroyed, along with the local school.

The hardest-hit areas are often in high elevations and difficult to reach.

“Several communities on the western side of the island have roads washed out,” Topac added.

The focus now is delivering essentials and coordinating with authorities.

Topac emphasizes the importance of showing solidarity.

“We just want to make sure that our neighbors in Jamaica know that people care and will come out there to help them in their darkest hour,” he said.

Topac and his team plan to depart from the First Coast next week, asking specifically for monetary donations, solar generators, and private pilots willing to donate rides to transport supplies.

“We want to be the hands and feet of God,” he said.

Sins added it’s critical to meet the immediate needs as they evolve over time.

“This recovery is going to be ongoing, 18 months, 2 years, maybe even longer for some families,” Sins said. “They need to not be forgotten when the cameras are gone, and the next disaster hits, they will still be struggling.”

More than 20 nonprofits are now collaborating on relief efforts for Jamaica. They urge donors to give money rather than physical supplies like water or clothing, which can be costly and complicated to ship. Buying and shipping items directly to the island is often more effective in meeting urgent needs.

Donations to Topac’s organized relief fund can be made online.