December 19, 2025
On 28 October 2025, Jamaica was severely hit by Hurricane Melissa, a category 5 hurricane with torrential rains and wind gusts exceeding 290 km/h. The hurricane caused many casualties and inflicted enormous damage. A large part of the electricity grid was destroyed.
Belgium responded through B-FAST, the federal government structure activated to provide emergency aid abroad. B-FAST provided emergency assistance in the field of electricity production with more than 400 generators.
The urgent request for this large number of generators arrived on a Tuesday at our Atlas Copco Belgium site in Overijse. On Friday morning, the order was officially placed. Our logistics centre Power Tools Distribution in Bilzen-Hoeselt ensured that the equipment was ready that same evening at Melsbroek Airport to be shipped to the disaster area.
“This was only possible thanks to the efficient cooperation and dedication of our employees at both sites,” says Wouter Vlamynck, General Manager of Atlas Copco Belgium.
Jeroen Meeusen from Power Tools Distribution agrees: “Having more than 400 generators ready in such a short time for the disaster area is an impressive feat. We are proud that with our expertise and solutions within the Atlas Copco Group we can contribute to emergency aid and recovery, wherever and whenever it is needed.”
Learn more about the B-FAST operation: https://diplomatie.belgium.be/en/news/b-fast-sends-generators-jamaica
