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'Everything was lost': Hurricane impacts students’ families
Mass destruction caused by Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica. (Photo by Michell Lindo).
Eliana Morales Managing Editor Nyah Jackson Reporter In Saint Elizabeth Parish, Jamaica, a father and son waited inside their family home as the category 5 storm, known as Hurricane Melissa, closed in the afternoon of Oct. 28. Outside, a loud noise announced the hurricane’s arrival. The son, Kurt Chambers, peered outside and found the veranda torn off. Moments later, the entire roof was completely gone. The winds were so strong that he and his father, Lloyd, did not feel the rain. The hurricane quickly devoured everything in sight and tore walls apart. The two men rushed to take refuge in the downstairs garage, climbing into their car to wait out the storm. When it was finally over, they emerged to find the whole house destroyed and everything lost. Kurt and Lloyd are the uncle and grandfather of Andrew Chambers, a
freshman film production major at Southern. They were two of the thousands who experienced the devastating effects of Hurricane Melissa, which reached the southern part of the island around 2 p.m. With top wind speeds reaching 185 mph, according to PBS News, Hurricane Melissa became one of the strongest Atlantic hurricanes on record. The Weather Channel called it historic and catastrophic. At the storm’s climax, 77% of businesses and homes were without power. According to NBC News, the estimated insured losses in Jamaica are between $2.2 billion and $4.2 billion. According to the Guardian, Hurricane Melissa hit Jamaica’s agricultural areas, which lawmakers said could increase prices on food. The nation’s crucial tourism destinations were also hit, causing thousands of workers to lose their jobs. Several Southern students said their loved ones have been affected by the hurricane. Sheldon White, a junior photography major, has family members who experienced the category 5 storm. “My family did not have any losses [of
life] but suffered damages from flooding,” he said. Ashauna Simms, a junior nursing major, also has family in Jamaica who were impacted. “My [uncle’s and my aunt’s] homes in Jamaica suffered damage,” she said. “Their roofs have almost been completely removed by the harsh storm. From what I’ve heard, all of my extend-
ed family is physically safe.” Simms provided the Accent with a statement from her aunt, Curl McFarlane. “We lost all of our fruit trees, which is disappointing, but I’m thankful that my husband and I are safe and alive,” McFarlane stated. “It could have been See Hurricane on page 3
The aftermath of Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica. (Photo courtesy of Michell Lindo).
“Just knowing that they ’re struggling and I can’t do a thing to help is really disheartening." - Chris Sandi