IN the wake of the devastation unleashed on Jamaica’s western end by Hurricane Melissa, the Adventist Development & Relief Agency (ADRA) Jamaica launched a major relief effort, reaching some of the hardest-hit communities across St Elizabeth and St James.

The initiative provided 400 households with critical WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) kits — essential support as many families continue to face water shortages and compromised sanitation systems.

Each WASH kit includes a 200-gallon water tank with fixtures, two five-gallon buckets, and a family size hygiene kit designed to help households regain stability and maintain safe health practices during recovery.

To carry out the distribution, ADRA mobilised more than 50 volunteers, partnering with local leaders and churches to efficiently reach the affected areas.

ADRA Jamaica Country Director Pastor Wenford Henry emphasised the agency’s commitment to long-term community rehabilitation.

“Our mission is not just to respond to disasters, but to restore dignity and resilience to every family we serve. After Hurricane Melissa many communities were left without access to clean water — something no family should have to endure. These WASH kits are a step toward rebuilding, and ADRA will continue walking with our people until recovery is complete,” a release from ADRA quoted Henry.

Residents who benefited from the distribution expressed deep gratitude to ADRA Jamaica for its work.

“After the hurricane, storing clean water was one of our biggest struggles as my tank was dislocated. This water tank is a blessing — it gives my family a sense of security again. We thank ADRA for remembering us in this difficult time,” the release quoted Michael Thompson, a farmer from St Elizabeth, who shared how the support has eased the burdens of daily life.

In St James, Shanice Brown, a mother of two, spoke about the importance of the hygiene supplies, saying, “When everything felt uncertain, ADRA showed up with exactly what we needed. The hygiene kit and buckets help us keep the children healthy, and the volunteers treated us with so much care. It gave us hope.”

As communities continue to rebuild, ADRA Jamaica said it remains active on the ground, “strengthening support networks and ensuring that families affected by Hurricane Melissa are not left behind”.

A resident of Parottee Bay in St Elizabeth rides away with his WASH kit.