As if getting hit hard by one hurricane isn’t bad enough, a second giant storm tore through the British Virgin Islands in quick succession in September of 2017. These batterings took a toll on all of the islands, but especially Tortola, the largest of the British Virgin Islands. Some people lost their lives, and all 30,000+ residents of the tiny British Caribbean territory lost access to power and electricity.

The scale of the devastation is enormous, and international relief teams have already begun descending on the island to begin recovery efforts. Efforts have been hindered due to the poor remaining infrastructure, making “island time” feel more stressful than ever. Volunteers like you are needed to support clean-up of disaster areas, which will undoubtedly remain a months-long process.

To maximize your impact, donate money to organizations already making an impact. While financing your trip to the islands so YOU can help can seem like a good idea in theory, in the immediate aftermath of disaster, sometimes money alone can bring about even more positive change. Consider your motivations and resources before choosing one way or the other.

Keep reading:

How to Support Disaster Prevention & Recovery

Disaster Volunteers: 9 Crucial Items You Need to Bring With You