Cuban and Jamaican Communities in Tri-State Area Connect with Family Amidst Hurricane Melissa Devastation

Hurricane Melissa's Impact on Cuba and Jamaica

• 🌪️ Hurricane Melissa, a Category 3 storm, made landfall in Cuba after devastating Jamaica, leaving dozens dead and causing widespread destruction.
• 📉 The hurricane forced over 735,000 people to evacuate to shelters in Cuba.
• 💔 Locals in Cuba expressed deep concern for their families, worrying about basic necessities like food for the next day.

Community Concerns and Skepticism

• 🏗️ Residents in Union City, New Jersey, closely monitored the storm's impact on their home country.
• 💸 Some Cubans expressed skepticism that donated money would reach the intended recipients in impacted areas.

Rebuilding and Aid Efforts

• 🏝️ In Jamaica, the damage is described as extensive, requiring rebuilding from scratch, but the spirit of the people is noted as strong.
• ⛪ Cubans are urging donations to local churches in affected regions.
• 🤝 Several Jamaican nonprofit organizations in New York City are actively collecting donations and raising funds to send aid to Jamaica.