A Florida woman is living in anguish after her 85-year-old father vanished in Jamaica following the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Melissa more than a week ago.
“I just feel empty. Hollow. Like just a shell,” said Kimali Stephen in an interview with CBS affiliate WFOR about her missing father, Albert Stephen. “Until I can put my eyes on my dad — at least hear his voice.”
On Oct. 28, the Category 5 hurricane tore across Jamaica, killing at least 32 people, according to The New York Times. That same day, Kimali recorded what would become her last conversation with her father. She hasn’t heard from him since, WFOR reported.
Stephen had retired to Argyle Mountain in Westmoreland Parish to spend his later years in peace. Despite the distance between Florida and Jamaica, his connection with his daughter remained close. After Kimali’s mother died of cancer when she was 13, her father became her only remaining family.
“My dad and I are very close,” she told WFOR. “Every couple of days we talk. And this? I cannot sleep.”
When the hurricane’s destruction became clear, Kimali was heartbroken by the scenes of devastation. In Black River, a southwestern town in Jamaica, The New York Times reported that 90% of homes were destroyed.
After posting about her father’s disappearance on social media, Kimali was contacted by others who were also searching for loved ones. She and several Jamaicans are now planning a trip to the island to look for their missing relatives and deliver essential supplies to those in need.
They are among the many individuals and community groups stepping forward to help those affected by the storm.
Even before Hurricane Melissa made landfall, chef José Andrés’ nonprofit World Central Kitchen had already been working with local partners to provide meals to people impacted by the disaster.
“WCK has already mobilized, pre-deploying teams to assist in recovery efforts,” said one team member in Jamaica. “We’re coordinating with local restaurant partners to ensure they can serve meals once the hurricane passes.” Donations can be made here.
