Rooted in care — for every island, every family, everywhere.
Active Disaster Recovery Regions
Devastating Impact of Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica
Image courtesy of "The Guardian"
Image courtesy of "AP"
Key consequences include
- Whole neighbourhoods flattened—roofs ripped off homes, walls collapsed, infrastructure shattered.
- Over 122,000 dwellings were damaged or destroyed, especially in vulnerable parishes such as Saint Elizabeth and Westmoreland.
- Widespread loss of power and communications—more than three-quarters of the island were without electricity in the immediate aftermath.
- Massive agricultural losses—farmland, crops, and livestock were wiped out, adding further strain to already vulnerable rural economies.
- Rising human toll—fatalities were confirmed, and many remain unaccounted for as remote communities struggle to reconnect and access aid.
- The economic cost is immense—initial estimates suggest damages could reach billions of U.S. dollars, equating to a large fraction of Jamaica’s GDP.
Why this matters:
This event isn’t just a natural disaster—it cuts to the heart of Caribbean identity and resilience. Homes, livelihoods, family networks, and cultural roots are all under threat. The path to recovery will be long, especially for underserved island communities and diaspora families watching from afar.
Why Emotional Support Matters After Disaster
Culturally grounded emotional guidance to help individuals and families navigate fear, confusion, grief, and stress throughout every stage of a disaster—before, during, and after
Disaster Recover Tips
Crisis Coping Guide
This guide offers simple, culturally grounded strategies to help individuals and families stay calm, connected, and emotionally steady before, during, and after disasters.
It includes grounding techniques, family check-in prompts, community-centered practices, and clear steps for managing fear, grief, and overwhelm.
- Grounding and calming-breath practices rooted in our traditions
- Gentle emotional check-ins for all ages
- Tools to steady intense emotions after a crisis
- Community-circle practices that strengthen connection
- Family conversation prompts to support children, elders, and caregivers
Support for Caribbean Diaspora Communities
When disaster affects loved ones back home, Caribbean people living abroad often carry a deep emotional weight — worry, distance, guilt, and the pressure to support from far away.
Bahali provides grounding practices, emotional guidance, and simple communication tools to help you stay centered while staying connected. Whether you’re checking in with family, coordinating support, or holding the stress of not being there, we offer gentle resources to help you navigate these moments with steadiness and care.
“You Matter Too” self-care reminder
Diaspora supporters often neglect themselves.
Your Well-being Matters
Supporting from afar can create burnout. Bahali helps you:
- Slow down
- Stay grounded
- Take breaks without guilt
- Care for both your loved ones and yourself
Walk With Us
Whether you’re seeking emotional support, looking to partner, or hoping to help bring healing tools to more Caribbean communities — we invite you into the Bahali family.
