On October 21 a Category 5 hurricane swept across Jamaica. This hurricane devastated the land causing loss of homes and the loss of 28 lives as of Saturday.
Many families lost everything they own, however they are just grateful to be alive. One resident stated, “My house was destroyed, everything is broken apart … we have nothing, we have no food, we have nothing. Our documents were damaged, everything was damaged. Right now we’re barely holding on. Thank God we are alive.” As so many people have lost so much, the relief efforts have been sent to give them basic necessities.
So many hospital have been destroyed in this storm so relief efforts are also going to putting up temporary hospitals in the devastated areas. These hospitals will be fully equipped with operating rooms, critical diagnostic tools, and a team of doctors. These hospitals should be up an running this coming week.
More relief efforts include food and water drives. Food and water are essential needs for everyday life that are no longer accessible to the residents in Jamaica. In some areas relief efforts are higher when in other areas many people are being forced to use buckets to collect muddy water out of pure desperation.
The rescue efforts are being sent mostly to the more devastated areas. The social security minister Charles Jr. stated, “The priority now is to get help to those who need it.” There are disaster relief sites set up along the Black River which has been described as ground zero. The prime minister has determined that Black River will have to be completely re built in the upcoming months. At ground zero care packages have been given to those who have lost their homes.
Overall the relief teams are working around the clock to help those who have lost everything in this Hurricane.
