Hurricane Melissa Jamaica 2025

Standing with Jamaica After Hurricane Melissa

Our team is on the way to Jamaica to assist in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. Burnaby Urban Search and Rescue (BUSAR) is deploying to support search and rescue operations and to help those communities recover and locate missing loved ones. The deployment includes three K9 search teams and twelve technical rescue personnel, working in partnership with our fellow Canadian organization Canadian Medical Assistance Teams (CMAT), who have two members joining us on the ground. Together, we’re proud to represent a united Canadian response to help the people of Jamaica.

We are deeply grateful to the Burnaby Fire Department, Burnaby Firefighters Local 323, and the City of Burnaby for their continued support, which makes it possible for us to contribute to international disaster efforts. A special thank-you as well to Pacific Blue Cross, whose donation of medical coverage ensures our families know that we will be looked after if needed.

Follow our progress on social media @burnayusar. If you’d like help with our efforts here please consider donating to support our work. BUSAR is a community-funded team made up entirely of volunteers, and every contribution helps us continue to respond when people need it most.

Updated summary

Burnaby Urban Search and Rescue has deployed to Jamaica in response to Hurricane Melissa, supporting relief operations in the hardest-hit areas of St. Elizabeth Parish. Working alongside the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF), Canadian Medical Assistance Teams (CMAT), and local authorities, BUSAR has been conducting wide-area searches, damage assessments, and welfare checks in communities such as Black River, Vineyard, and Santa Cruz. The team’s canine and technical search specialists have assisted in confirming that all residents are accounted for, while CMAT medical personnel embedded with BUSAR continue to help assess medical needs and support field hospitals in coordination with partner agencies. Although most lives were spared thanks to early evacuations, widespread flooding and infrastructure damage have left many without food, clean water, or essential supplies. BUSAR remains on the ground providing humanitarian support, mapping, and logistical assistance as recovery efforts continue.