USCCB president calls for prayers and aid for those affected by Hurricane Melissa

Vatican News

Hurricane Melissa ripped through the Caribbean, tearing through Jamaica and Cuba. It was one of the strongest storms in modern history with winds of 298km/h (185 mph) at its peak - stronger than Hurricane Katrina. 34 people have been killed and tens of thousands have been left without power.

In response, Archbishop Timothy Broglio, president U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, issued a statment calling for Catholics to pray for and support the people impacted by the Category 5 storm.

A car and surrounding buildings are seen damaged following the passage of Hurricane Melissa, in Black River, St. Elizabeth, Jamaica   (AFP or licensors)

The USCCB president explained that families in the Caribbean region “face severe risk of flooding, landslides, displacement, and infrastructure damage with little resources to respond.” He reflected on how “our brothers and sisters in small island nations like Jamaica, Cuba, and Haiti are the most vulnerable to the impact of such strong storms, often intensified by a warming climate.” As a result, the Church is accompanying them with prayers and action.

Archbishop Broglio urged all Catholics and people of good will to join in praying for the safety and protection of everyone, especially first responders, in the affected countries.

He closed by calling everyone to “stand in solidarity by supporting the efforts of organizations already on the ground such as Caritas Haiti, Caritas Cuba, and Caritas Antilles, as well as Catholic Relief Services, who are supplying essential, direct services and accompaniment to those in need.”