Group in central NC to launch Jamaica relief efforts in wake of Hurricane Melissa

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- Hurricane Melissa's impact is being felt and seen from the Triangle to Jamaica as families are still waiting to hear from their loved ones on the island. Others are breathing a sigh of relief because they have.

"I was born in Kingston, Jamaica, but have lived in St. Mary all my life," said Alicia Clarke.

Alicia Clarke spoke with Eyewitness News virtually from her Durham classroom while wearing Jamaican colors.

"Even though I'm not in Jamaica, I'm still Jamaican. I'm still standing with fellow Jamaicans," she said.

Clarke heard from her brother, who lives on the island Wednesday. He shared photos of the devastation in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa.

"It's a picture of loss and tragedy, but there is hope and so much gratitude to God for keeping us through something like this," she said.

Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Jamaica, Cuba, and Haiti on Tuesday as a catastrophic storm that left dozens dead, widespread power outages, and damage.

"I've been really shaky. I almost felt like crying a bit earlier. Friends and family have been checking in on me," said Aleisha Harding, who lives in Raleigh.

ABC11 News first spoke with Harding on Tuesday as she was waiting to hear from her loved ones in Westmoreland, Jamaica. It's now been 24 hours.

"The roads are completely impassable and some of their houses are completely destroyed and washed away," she said.

While she's heard from some family, she hasn't been able to reach everyone, and that includes her stepdad.

"Last time I've seen my stepdad active on WhatsApp or Facebook, it's been over a day ago at this point," said Harding.

She is the president of the Caribbean Association of North Carolina and is using her platform to organize and launch relief efforts.

SEE ALSO | Hurricane Melissa slams Jamaica: How to help

"Connecting with local businesses, international stores, and Caribbean stores to see what we can do," she said.

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