Sep 3, 2008 10:50 pm US/Eastern
Cuba & Haiti Wait For Hurricane Help
MIAMI (CBS4) ―
It's seems like a never ending story: Strong, deadly storms lining up one behind the other, leaving Caribbean islands in turmoil.
Cuba was hit--first by the sting of Gustav and then by Hanna. Thousands of homes are destroyed forcing families to fight for survival. Loved ones in South Florida watched as the winds and floods took over, but because of the government restrictions it's difficult to send aid to Cuba.
Democratic candidate for Congress Joe Garcia says that has got to change.
"First off we should not be helping a dictatorship, but we should let families help their loved ones directly, then we have to help where we can help like Haiti, Bahamas and Jamaica," said Garcia.
International aid agency Food for the Poor says it will ship a million dollars worth of supplies to Jamaica and Haiti over the next two weeks. Basic necessities like soap, toothpaste, and toothbrushes will go along with food and water.
"I'm really concerned," said Yvs Telemaque. "A friend says they can't even go out to get something to eat."
Telemaque is not the only once concerned about relatives on the islands.
Haiti is possibly facing the worst floods it has seen in four years. The high waters have left people stranded and taken the lives of dozens. Justin Messens lives in Miami's Little Haiti. He got a phone call bearing bad news.
"I have plenty of family there," said a distraught Messens. "My cousin died last night on the water."
Messens sent money home to his family hoping they could buy food and hang on as more tropical storms are on the way. He says there's only one thing to do, and that's pray.
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