Communications down practically everywhere in Jamaica
KINGSTON, Jamaica––Hurricane Melissa, now heading toward Santiago de Cuba or possibly Guantanamo, and then to the Bahamas, appears to have now crossed Jamaica into open water, with winds slowing from up to 190 miles per hour to “only” 145 miles per hour, diminishing the Category 5 hurricane––temporarily, anyhow––to Category 4.
Animal shelters and rescues, along with everyone else in Jamaica, are now digging out of the rubble left from Melissa, the third most intense hurricane to hit the Caribbean region since Wilma in 2005 and Gilbert in 1988.
“While the worst of the storm is over, and Melissa is making her way off of the island of Jamaica,” posted Negril Pup Rescue late on October 28, 2025 from the north side of Jamaica, the last part to feel Melissa’s high winds and tidal surge, “we do not know what the damage level is at the rescue because we have not had communication in over three hours.
“Continue to pray!”
“We have had communication from the resorts on the beach and have seen some of the damage there so far. The rescue was having a very difficult time up until when we lost communication. Continue to pray for them. We will let you know as soon as we have any word from Dominique,” one of the founders, “as to how they are.
“There are a ton of people volunteering to go to Jamaica and help following the storm. We want to make sure that the response is organized,” the Negril Pup Rescue spokesperson continued, “and that we are not duplicating efforts. Several international aid organizations are working with us currently. Once we have an assessment, we will be communicating with them as to our immediate needs for supplies and support.”
Of urgent concern to all of the legitimate animal aid organizations in Jamaica, the Negril Pup Rescue spokesperson added, scammers exploiting the Jamaican disaster have popped up on social media with appeals on purported behalf of animals, even using the names of the actual Jamaican organizations, misdirecting donations.
“Please be sure to use the direct link on a previous post to make sure that you are connected with the proper account before donating money,” Negril Pup Rescue advised.
(Negril Pup Rescue Facebook photo)
“The kennels are being destroyed”
“We anticipate that very soon we will start to get messages regarding animals who are missing, injured and in need of assistance,” the Negril Pup Rescue spokesperson finished.
“We ask that you please do not bring these animals directly to the rescue, as we are not certain what the current situation is with the dogs we already have. Reach out to us and we will let you know the best way to proceed.”
The Negril Pup Rescue spokesperson posted earlier that according to Dominique, “Things are incredibly scary and very destructive but everyone is safe so far. The kennels are being destroyed. Luckily the dogs were moved, so no injury to life. The house is also taking on quite a bit of damage.”
“Need help clearing the road”
A Montego Bay Animal Haven spokesperson identifying herself as Sabria posted, also earlier on October 28, 2025, that “Most of the worst weather is in and around the eyewall, which unfortunately is now passing very close to our Haven..
“Cell service over there went down hours ago so I have no contact with our team up at the Haven,” Sabria said, “but right now they are facing the worst of it. I hope I can get word from them later today or tomorrow, but I really can’t say. It’s nerve wracking and heartbreaking. All I can do now is hope our 130+ animals and staff are okay and safe.
“We’re going to need help clearing the road to even get up to the Haven,” Sabria explained. “Eventually we’re going to need to get some of the animals we have there out of the country while we rebuild. Once I know more I’ll make a post and let everyone know.
“It’s going to be a long process”
“We are working on getting food for our animals secured,” Sabria continued, “and then we have to figure out getting it up there if the road is blocked.
“We’ll also need to assess our animals for any injuries and get them to the vet. Ideally we would love to ship some of them out too, but even finding local homes for some would be ideal.
“We also want to go out help the stray animals in other areas, especially the most affected places. Basically the more we get out the more new animals we can take in,” Sabria said, concluding, “It’s going to be a long process after this storm passes.”
(Mike Vajda Facebook photo/ collage)
Cat sanctuary demolished
Also checking in online from Montego Bay, visitor Mike Vajda posted that a cat sanctuary at the Iberostar Rose Hall Montego Bay Beach Suites & Grand Resort was “demolished by the storm. Despite efforts [made ahead of Hurricane Melissa by founder Jessica Vazquez and the hotel staff] to trap and relocate all of the cats, a few could not be caught in time,” Vajda said.
“We are uncertain about their whereabouts, but remain hopeful for their safety.”
“We don’t yet know the full extent of the damage,” Vajda continued. “We are hopeful that the hotel will consider rebuilding the cat sanctuary, as it has always been a special part of why so many guests—ourselves included—return year after year.”
“I’m scared. The animals are scared.”
No other Jamaican animal rescue organizations appeared to be back in online communication with the outside world as the sun set on October 28, 2025, with most of the island electronic infrastructure and even the roads badly damaged.
Brief video clips posted from Dolphin Cove Jamaica on October 27, 2025 showed about a dozen bottlenose dolphins temporarily kept in swimming pools at the Mystic Ridge Resort. How the dolphins fared is as yet unknown.
Animal rescue organizations preparing for Hurricane Melissa in the Bahamas include the Humane Society of Grand Bahama, in Freeport, founded in 1968, which posted no current information, and Manfred’s Animal Rescue, in Cockburn Town on San Salvador Island, active at least since 2013 despite having weathered hurricanes and severe tropical storms in every year from 2015 to 2020.
(Daniel Leventhal photo)
“I’m scared. The animals are scared,” admitted the Manfred’s Animal Rescue spokesperson.
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Friends of mine evacuated for Katrina, taking their indoor cats but were unable to take the ferals they cared for. After returning, they were overjoyed to report that every one of “their” ferals survived.
Prayers for the cats, and others, of Jamaica! And may rebuilding be possible, funded and completed timely.
Sharing with gratitude.
Hopefully, they will rebuild and prevail. I think about the wildlife that has no one watching over them and say a prayer for their wellbeing, as well.
what a dreadful situation for all in Jamaica, all the people who have lost their homes and the countless animals and birds who have perished. I really hope that lots of lives can be saved and that people can try and rebuild their lives. Living in UK its terrible not being able to help,only to donate. BLESS YOU ALL xx