Ian and Trudi Ferguson’s daughter is still waiting to hear from the couple in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa.
Hurricane Melissa swept through Jamaica last night, causing widespread damage to homes and claiming at atleast 45 lives across the Caribbean. Already being referred to as the third most intense Atlantic hurricane on record, many parts of Jamaica are underwater, with thousands of people displaced from their destroyed homes.
Due to cell towers being destroyed, many are struggling to access phone signal to contact their loved ones to let them know that they are safe. This is the case for the Northeastern Ferguson family, from Witton Gilbert in County Durham.
Speaking to BBC Radio Newcastle, Ian and Trudi’s daughter, Robyn Laverick, has described “how terrifying” the situation has been, as she monitors social media in hope for any news or updates. It’s been over 20 hours since she last heard from them, with their last message detailing how they were “filling the bath with water to be used to drink, wash, or flush the toilet”.
County Durham locals expressed their sympathy for the family on Facebook, under BBC North East’s post. One lady commented, “Hope it’s good news for all,” with another “sending thoughts” to Ian and Trudi. However, not all commenters reacted as kindly as those two commenters to the post. Multiple people expressed their concern for the Jamaican natives and citizens and those who have to deal with the aftermath of the disaster instead of simply flying home.
One person blamed the Fergusons for travelling to Jamaica during their established hurricane season, saying, “No sympathy for those who choose cheap [travel] over the right & more expensive time.” Another added, “These people got to fly home. Jamaicans are left to deal with everything. If you’re going to go to a country in hurrican [e] season it’s a chance you take.”
The United Kingdom has offered immediate support to Jamaica, through financial aid of £2.5 million, with an additional £5 million to follow later in the week. The Foreign Office are also preparing emergency flights to bring stranded Britons home, whose own flights have been cancelled.
If you wish to help, you can donate to the Hurricane Melissa Relief Fund to rebuild families’ homes and ‘help bring hope back to the nation‘.
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Very interesting !!
Thank you – it’s an awful situation 🙁
Well done for highlighting.
Thank you very much 🙂