Hurricane Melissa has caused widespread destruction across the Caribbean. In Jamaica, communities are grappling with severe flooding, landslides, fallen trees, destroyed infrastructure, and power outages. The hardest-hit parishes, where the hurricane first made landfall, remain largely submerged. The storm has since impacted Cuba and Haiti.
Access to safe water is critical during disasters. With more than 25 years of experience, Water Mission is actively responding in Jamaica. Three members of its Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) are on the ground, coordinating with local authorities and humanitarian partners to assess urgent water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) needs.
Due to widespread power outages disabling existing water pumps, the most critical need is restoring power to water systems and expanding access to safe water. Water Mission’s immediate efforts include:
· Powering existing water systems
· Installing five Living Water Treatment Systems (LWTSs), each serving up to 5,000 people daily
· Deploying generators, seven water bladders, seven tap stands, and 5,000 jerrycans
“There is something really powerful in people coming together, and once again our employee-led Water for All organization has stepped in to support communities that need our help,” said Aaron Prato, VP Holding, Atlas Copco North America. “Our thoughts and prayers go to everyone impacted by this hurricane, and we are thankful to partners like Water Mission who can mobilize so quickly.”
Since 2010, Water for All North America has donated nearly $4 million to water-related causes, including projects that bring clean drinking water to families in local communities. For every dollar an employee gives, Atlas Copco contributes two—tripling the impact.
These contributions reflect our ongoing commitment to clean water access across the U.S. and globally.
