(NewsNation) — Days after powerful Category 5 Hurricane Melissa swept across Jamaica, its residents are in need of food, water, gas and other essentials.
Jamaica’s officials say at least 19 people were killed in the storm, and the death toll is expected to rise.
David Archer, deputy governor of the British Virgin Islands, told NewsNation he’s seen many organizations eager and “willing to help” with the recovery process since his arrival.
“Last night, for example, being able to connect an elderly lady with her loved ones … the organizations that are here, they’re all helpful, all engaged, and also the persons in Jamaica have embraced them,” Archer said.
People walk through Santa Cruz, Jamaica, on Oct. 29, 2025, after Hurricane Melissa passed. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix), 
People walk along a road during the passing of Hurricane Melissa in Rocky Point, Jamaica, on Oct. 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix) 
A couple jokes around on the coast in Kingston, Jamaica, as Hurricane Melissa approaches Oct. 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix) 
A man stands on what is left of the roof of his neighbor following the passage of Hurricane Melissa, in longwood, St Elizabeth, Jamaica on Oct. 29, 2025. (Photo by Ricardo MAKYN / GETTY-AFP) 
A man watches the coastline in Kingston, Jamaica, as Hurricane Melissa closes in Oct. 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix) 
Men remove a loose section of roof in Kingston, Jamaica, as Hurricane Melissa approaches Oct. 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix) 
A woman chats with a friend over video ahead of Hurricane Melissa’s forecast arrival in Kingston, Jamaica, on Oct. 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix) 
A janitor mops the floor at Norman Manley International Airport, closed ahead of the forecast arrival of Hurricane Melissa, in Kingston, Jamaica, on Oct. 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix)
The U.S. has sent dozens of relief workers to coordinate with military officials and local leaders in Jamaica, and nongovernmental groups, such as Aerial Recovery, have also joined the mission.
“It’s just such an honor to be out here, especially with David and the pioneering greatness movement, to be out here and serving the community,” said Jeremy Locke, co-founder of Aerial Recovery.
Locke said Jamaica’s location makes coordinating relief a bit more difficult, logistically: “It’s a larger challenge, but it’s a challenge that there’s many willing to accept.”