A Florida woman is desperate to find her 85-year-old father who went missing in Jamaica after the destructive Hurricane Melissa struck the island over a week ago. Kimali Stephen, the daughter of the missing man, Albert Stephen, last spoke to her father on October 28, the same day the Category 5 storm wreaked havoc on Jamaica, claiming the lives of at least 32 people, as reported by The New York Times. The worried daughter expressed her anguish, stating, “I just feel empty. Hollow. Like just a shell. Until I can put my eyes on my dad — at least hear his voice.”
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Following the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa, Kimali has been unable to establish contact with her father, who had relocated to Argyle Mountain in the parish of Westmoreland to enjoy his retirement years. Despite the physical distance between them, the emotional bond between father and daughter remained strong. The absence of her father has left Kimali sleepless and distressed, especially considering the tragic scenes emerging from Jamaica in the aftermath of the hurricane.
Kimali vividly recalls the last conversation she had with her father, captured in a video on the fateful day of October 28. Since then, there has been no communication from Albert Stephen, leaving his daughter in a state of agony and uncertainty. As news of the catastrophic destruction in Jamaica continues to unfold, with reports indicating that 90% of homes in Black River have been destroyed, Kimali is determined to travel to Jamaica in a bid to search for her missing father.
In addition to her personal quest, Kimali has reached out on social media for assistance, a move that has connected her with others who are also searching for their missing loved ones in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. United in their grief and determination, Kimali, alongside fellow concerned individuals, is coordinating a trip to Jamaica not only to locate their relatives but also to provide much-needed supplies and support to the affected communities.
The resilience and solidarity displayed by various organisations and citizens in response to the crisis have been remarkable. Efforts to support the victims of Hurricane Melissa have been proactive, with initiatives such as World Central Kitchen working tirelessly to ensure that those impacted by the storm receive essential aid and assistance. Donations and collaborative efforts are being channelled towards the recovery and restoration of communities devastated by the unprecedented natural disaster.
As the search for missing individuals continues and the recovery efforts intensify, the spirit of humanity shines through in the collective response to the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. Amidst the challenges and losses faced, stories of hope, perseverance, and community support emerge as testaments to the resilience of the human spirit in times of adversity.