DORAL, Fla. – As Hurricane Beryl powers towards Jamaica, many of its residents are evacuating and undertaking major preparations.
Jamaican officials began those preparations by shutting down the country’s two major international airports in Kingston and Montego Bay Tuesday night.
Amid concerns of catastrophic damage, American Airlines said they are adding extra flights to evacuate people before the storm hits.
“I couldn’t sleep last night because I didn’t know if I would be able to get out today, but it worked out fine,” said South Florida resident Thomas Oliver, who arrived at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport from Jamaica on Tuesday.
Locksty Dyce, another evacuee, spoke about the seriousness with which locals are treating the impending hurricane.
“Yeah, from listening to people, they’re taking it seriously,” he said.
Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness issued a dire warning to residents and visitors and shared the importance of being prepared, particularly having adequate food and water supplies.
“I’m encouraging all Jamaicans to take the hurricane as a serious threat, but now is not a time for panic,” Holness said.
Efforts are also ramping up in South Florida to support those who will be impacted by the storm.
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.
“They’re looking for tarpaulins, mattresses, foodstuff, cots, sleeping bags, that sort of stuff in the immediate interim,” said Grenada’s Deputy Consul General Dianne Perrotte.
Rudy Grant, Consul General of Barbados, reported significant damage in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
“We have been speaking with American Airlines and Amerijet to facilitate airlift support for items to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and there have been discussions with other affected islands as well,” Grant said.
GEM’s founder and president, Michael Capponi, emphasized the critical role of donations and international connections in overcoming logistical challenges.
“Through our relationships, we’re able to land planes directly in St. Vincent, then local community leaders transport the aid to Union Island via boats,” Capponi said. “The more donations we receive, the more people we can help.”
As airports and seaports across the Caribbean struggle with the storm’s impact, Miami International Airport is experiencing delays and cancellations, particularly with flights from Jamaica and the Bahamas.
“We are evacuating from Grand Cayman to get away from Hurricane Beryl,” said Rhona, who, along with her daughter, is seeking refuge in Miami. “It’s going to cross over Grand Cayman as a Category 3, which is higher than we had anticipated.”
Local 10 News has learned the first shipment of relief is leaving the GEM warehouse Wednesday night and will head to Grenada.
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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