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(ABC 6 News) — The island of Jamaica is reeling after the strongest hurricane in its history, and in Rochester, one local restaurant is feeling the impact firsthand.
Category five Hurricane Melissa tore across the island, leaving entire towns underwater and thousands cut off.
And at Francisco’s Restaurant, staff say they haven’t heard from one of the restaurants owners since yesterday. He traveled to Jamaica around a month ago to gather ingredients for the restaurant, but was unable to return because of the storm.
“Prior to the eye hitting or making landfall, he was charging his phone in his vehicle and was saying how he felt like the vehicle was being lifted off the ground while he was there,” said Lisette James, his wife and co-owner of the restaurant. “He said he would call back and I haven’t heard from him since.”
Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Jamaica on Tuesday afternoon as a category five, with winds up to 185 miles per hour.
The storm flooded entire communities, with the area of St. Elizabeth Parish now being described as “underwater.”
The prime minister has declared the island a disaster area, and crews are still working to reach cut-off neighborhoods.
Many Americans who were vacationing in Montego Bay, a popular tourist destination, were stuck during the storm as flights were disrupted.
“I ain’t never been through something like this before, so it is kind of scary,” said Eddie Heaven, a tourist from Greensboro, North Carolina. “Trying to get back to my kids, but I guess we got to wait it out, and hope for the best.”
In response to the hurricane, the team at Francisco’s has launched a GoFundMe, hoping to send money and supplies to families in small communities in Jamaica.
They’re part of a global effort, as relief teams from the U.S. and United Nations begin arriving to provide food, water and medical aid.
“We’re just needing the Rochester community to do what they do, because they do what they do,” said James, alongside her niece and one of the restaurants servers, Jodiann Earle. “When people call out, they deliver, and that’s all we’re asking for.”
The restaurant plans to fundraise through the end of the year, with all proceeds going towards Jamaican relief efforts.
To donate to Francisco’s GoFundMe, click here.
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