Tens of Thousands of Bee Colonies Destroyed or Damaged by Hurricane Melissa

Abandoned wooden beehives stacked along a metal railing in a grassy field.

© Jamaican Ministry of Agriculture

Hurricane Melissa demolished countless homes and caused massive flooding in Jamaica. The powerful storm also destroyed or damaged tens of thousands of bee colonies as it made its way through the Caribbean.

People are still coming to terms with the damage from Melissa, including local beekeepers. The devastating loss of crops mean that the surviving bees are in danger of starvation.

Uprooted trees and damaged hives in a deforested area on a sunny day.
Photo: © Carlington Silburn

Our partner, Greater Good Charities, is on the ground in Jamaica handing out essential supplies to displaced people and pets and working with beekeepers to provide pollen substitute for bees. 

They shared, "These small but mighty creatures play a big role in the island’s recovery, helping crops like citrus, mango, papaya, coffee and cocoa thrive. Globally, one in every three bites of food depends on these pollinators. When bees vanish, food security suffers."

Abandoned wooden beehives stacked along a metal railing in a grassy field.
© Jamaican Ministry of Agriculture

Watch an interview with one beekeeper who said, "it took about forty minutes for the eye to pass". 

It will take months to rebuild. Donate now to help save bees in the Caribbean. 

Greater Good Charities is working to provide emergency aid for bees and beekeepers. In collaboration with a network of local partners, they are sending bee sugar and pollen substitute to Jamaica, so beekeepers can sustain their remaining hives in the coming weeks/months and prevent further devastation to these ecosystems. But they can’t do it without you.

Andrea Powell

Andrea Powell is an animal enthusiast who resides in West Michigan. When not writing, she is exploring the great outdoors with her dogs and horses.

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