HUNTSVILLE, Ala (WHNT) — “We’ve never seen anything like this.” That’s the message echoing from Jamaica after getting hit with the most powerful hurricane in their nation’s history.
“I haven’t seen such a storm before,” Daitris Echols said.
She is a Jamaican native who moved to Huntsville 25 years ago, but her sister and nieces, and nephews still live in Kingston.
Echols said she talks to her sister daily, so after hurricane Melissa made landfall, she was desperately waiting for her call..
“I was so glad because I heard from her,” she said. “It made me smile, but I’m still feeling hurt about the whole situation.”
While her family is among the few who have power, Echols said much of her homeland is unrecognizable.
The police stations, the airports, school, the roads are messed up,” said Echols.
She said they are used to some tropical storms that might cause mudslides or flooding, but nothing like this.
Right now, she is desperately praying for her country and those still in the line of the storm.
“Get together, join hands and help out,” she said. “I’m praying for everybody right now. I’m just asking God to cover everybody.”
She and her family have started a donation drive for those affected by the Hurricane in Jamaica.
She said you can bring donations to La Jamaica or Island Jerk. They are two different authentic Jamaican restaurants in Huntsville.
Whether it is canned goods, clothing items, or monetary donations, she said, anything you are able to give is welcome.
Island Jerk is located at 2230 Sparkman Dr NW #100, Huntsville, AL 35810.
La Jamaica is located at 3700 Blue Spring Rd NW, Unit T, Huntsville, AL 35810.
Echols said her family here in Alabama plans to fly home to see family and bring the donations once airports open back up.
The post Jamaican restaurant owner shares how her family was affected by hurricane and how you can help appeared first on WHNT.
