PEMBROKE PARK, Fla. – As Hurricane Beryl continues to pummel Jamaica and numerous areas in the southeast Caribbean, residents and those with ties to the island are feeling the storm’s impact.
The hurricane is producing severe winds and heavy rain, causing significant damage and widespread disruption after the powerful Category 4 storm earlier killed at least seven people and caused significant damage across the Caribbean before reaching Jamaica.
Many in South Florida are in contact with family and friends in Jamaica, sharing their experiences as they endure the hurricane.
They really did what they could to prepare for Beryl, but now they are in full-on prayer mode,” one local said.
A reporter from the Gleaner newspaper described the scene: gusty winds uprooting trees, numerous landslides, and blocked roads.
Despite no direct hit, the south of Jamaica is experiencing severe weather, with a curfew from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. and evacuation orders in place.
The threat of a 9-foot storm surge looms as many residents choose to ride out the storm.
Metry Seaga, president of Jamaica’s Private Sector Organization confirmed that two airports are closed, and the road to the seaport is blocked.
“We have been boarding up our own companies and putting provisions in place so that essential workers can continue to work,” he said.
Images from Kingston show the city being battered, though it is skirting the eye wall south of Jamaica. The island remains under curfew as residents brace for the continued onslaught of the storm.
Reflecting on past storms, residents remember the devastating impact of Hurricane Gilbert in 1988, which hit Kingston directly as a Category 4 storm.
Hurricane Beryl is drawing comparisons to this past disaster, emphasizing the severity of the current situation.
At the Global Empowerment Mission’s warehouse in Doral, volunteers are packing wipes, hydration kits, non-perishable foods and other essential items for shipment to the hardest-hit areas.
GEM has provided a section on its website with detailed information on how the public can contribute to the relief efforts that will help with the aid and recovery operations in the Caribbean.
CLICK HERE for more information on how you can contribute to their mission.
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