Locals with ties to Jamaica express concern over Hurricane Melissa

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Heavy floodwaters swept across southwestern Jamaica, with winds reaching 185 mph.

Savannah resident, Jae Harrison says her family, still in Jamaica has had some contact but watching the storm from afar, has made her feel helpless.

“It’s a no win… you love people there, you love people there,” said Harrison.

Winds tore roofs off buildings and boulders tumbled onto roads Tuesday as Hurricane Melissa came ashore as one of the strongest Atlantic hurricanes on record.

“I have been crying randomly throughout the day when I think about what they are facing….it’s terrifying,” said Harrison.

As families like Harrison’s sit and wait to hear and see just how bad the destruction is following the Hurricane, she has joined forces with local EMT Melissa Jackson to collect donations to distribute once they can return to the island.

“It’s just finding a way to get it there, is the next step,” said Jackson.

A few social media posts and the hearts of Savannahians have garnered pledges of donations. But what they really need is a way to and from the island once it is safe to do so.

“When you need something, you have to ask for it, people can’t help you if they don’t know what you need… so you have to keep talking about it,” said Jackson.

The two are continuing to take donations and say they are hopeful that their story will reach the right person who can help them find a way to get their donations to people on the Island.

“Sitting here feeling so helpless for a land and people that I love so much, it feels good to be doing something… feeling like we are helping from here, in any way that we can,” said Harrison.

Reach out to Melissa at Lissamjax@gmail.com