While first responders in Los Angeles County stand by for potential deployment to Jamaica to help communities affected by Hurricane Melissa, residents in Southern California anxiously wait to hear from loved ones who live in areas impacted by the storm.
Melissa barreled through the Caribbean on Tuesday and Wednesday, killing dozens of people who were in its path in Jamaica, Haiti and Cuba. In Gardena, restaurant owner Tony Beckfore said he’s been trying to get in touch with his relatives who live in Jamaica.
“There’s a lot of flooding. People lost their homes,” Beckfore said.
As Beckfore continues to run his restaurant, The Guinep Tree, he’s also trying any way he can to contact his family members in the Caribbean. He said he was able to hear back from his mother and sister on Wednesday and confirm they are OK, but he said he hasn’t been able to get in touch with his other siblings or extended family.
Beckfore’s loved ones live in St. Elizabeth Parish, which was hit hard by the then-Category 5 storm.
“I know that most of them are in the floods, so I know they have been affected by the floods,” he said of his family.
Photos: The aftermath of Hurricane Melissa
Experts are calling Melissa one of the most destructive natural disasters in Jamaica’s modern history.
“I am helpless right now,” Beckfore said.” I am thinking about a lot of people. I am basically thinking about Jamaica because everyone out there is going through something. I am just praying that we don’t lose a loved one. Everything can be replaced, but when you lose a loved one — that’s irreplaceable.”
Beckfore acknowledged that all he can do now is wait to hear word from his relatives and pray for their safety. The devastating storm claimed at least 36 lives as of Wednesday and it’s expected to hit the Bahamas as it continues in its path.
To help support those affected by the hurricane, relief organizations have begun mobilizing. To see how you can help, click here.
Allison Craig is a passionate sports writer and analyst with a deep love for game strategies, player performances, and the latest trends in the sports world. With years of experience covering football, basketball, tennis, and more, she delivers insightful analysis and engaging content for sports enthusiasts.
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