Hurricane Melissa has devastated communities across Jamaica and the Caribbean, leaving thousands in need of immediate assistance.

Emergency water systems and medical teams deployed to Jamaica following Category 5 Hurricane Melissa with additional Samaritan's Purse relief flights planned.

Samaritan’s Purse deployed a disaster response team and more than 38,000 pounds of life-saving relief supplies to Jamaica to help with Hurricane Melissa recovery effects.

Multiple hurricane relief crews assemble supplies to deliver to Jamaica as well as evacuate stranded Americans to come home.

Jamaica and other countries impacted by Hurricane Melissa will be getting help from organizations right here in South Florida.

Dozens of U.S. military personnel are bringing medical supplies and emergency gear after Hurricane Melissa killed at least 19 on Jamaica.

Disaster relief from the U.S. to Jamaica is delayed due to the government shutdown, but several private organizations are mobilizing to send relief after Hurricane Melissa. NBC News’ Jesse Kirsch spoke to one group packing up soup,

Ozzy Samad, president of Brother’s Brother Foundation, knew Pittsburgh needed to step up to help Jamaica after seeing the size and strength of Hurricane Melissa. Within 72 hours, the North Side-based nonprofit had packed and loaded its first shipment of relief supplies onto trucks for transport.

Hurricane season can be stressful for anyone near the potential path of a storm, as powerful winds and heavy rain can cause widespread damage, cut power for days or weeks and otherwise upend people’s lives.