Hurricane Melissa, one of the most powerful storms ever to hit the Caribbean, has caused catastrophic devastation across the region. The storm killed dozens in Jamaica and Haiti, submerged streets, destroyed homes and left 77% of Jamaica without power. In Cuba, Melissa caused severe damage and forced more than 700,000 people to seek shelter. Experts say the hurricane's impact is unprecedented, and resources and long-term support will be critical to addressing food security and rebuilding infrastructure.

Hundreds of patients, along with their companions, were killed at a hospital in Sudan's El-Fasher after the Rapid Support Forces seized the city, the World Health Organization and local witnesses report. Video footage and satellite imagery support claims that RSF fighters executed those inside the hospital, including vulnerable patients and staff. The attack is part of a wider RSF assault on El-Fasher, which has been marked by indiscriminate violence, including house-to-house killings and torture.

Hamas has staged the recovery of a hostage's body, Israel and the Red Cross allege, citing drone footage showing Hamas forces burying and then unearthing the body in front of representatives from the NGO. Hamas denies the allegation, claiming it continues to comply with the cease-fire agreement. The incident has added pressure to the cease-fire, as Israel accuses Hamas of deliberate delays in returning bodies to buy time.

Syria's transition to new leadership has been marred by sectarian violence, revenge-motivated attacks and property disputes, forcing more than 430,000 people from their homes. The Syrian Network for Human Rights estimates at least 1,300 have been killed amid the clashes, although some estimate the toll is even higher.

Funding for climate adaptation is lagging behind promises from wealthy countries, the UN Environment Program's Adaptation Gap report reveals. Funding fell to $26 billion last year, down from $28 billion in 2022, even though rich countries pledged to double public adaptation finance to $40 billion annually by 2025. "Even amid tight budgets and competing priorities, the reality is simple: if we do not invest in adaptation now, we will face escalating costs every year," UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen warns.

Declining aid commitments from Western countries have prompted humanitarian organizations to rethink how they communicate the importance and value of their work. Coded, carefully calibrated language designed to appeal to donors does not resonate with the public, but simple messaging that makes the value of aid funding -- both to donor countries and aid recipients -- clear can help drive public support for humanitarian initiatives.

Senterra Funders has demonstrated the impact of collaborative philanthropy in addressing underfunded causes, particularly in reforming intensive animal agriculture. By building a welcoming community, supporting effective communication, embracing diverse approaches and financing ecosystem development, Senterra has achieved major milestones, offering a blueprint for philanthropists to maximize their impact on overlooked issues.

The devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica highlights the disaster response challenges the US faces following the dismantling of USAID. The State Department, with limited former USAID staff, is stepping in, but experts like former USAID Bureau of Humanitarian Assistance leader Sarah Charles express concerns about its ability to coordinate effectively and address emergencies promptly.