Huntingdon native working in Haiti describes hurricane’s impact

JACKSON, Tenn. — The strongest hurricane to hit Haiti since 1964, Matthew made landfall early Tuesday morning, and a West Tennessean is caught in the middle of the storm.

Kierstie Kirby is a Union University alumna. She’s been working in Haiti for the past 18 months. She said now that Hurricane Matthew has made landfall, there are several communities in danger of disappearing.

Kirby spoke with WBBJ 7 Eyewitness News via FaceTime shortly after the hurricane hit the island Tuesday morning. It was clear the storm was impacting the call.

“The eye has passed through southern Haiti and we’re kind of in the middle. So we’re just waiting,” she said.

The Huntingdon native says she’s safe because she’s able to live in a brick building.

With Haiti being called the island least equipped to handle the storms, she said other residents are not as lucky. “In the states, if we had a hurricane and evacuation there’s a place for people to go. Here, there’s nowhere for anyone to go,” she said.

As Kirby says she’s relying on the power of prayer, volunteers in the Hub City prepare to send help to Florida.

Dennis Lee and his wife are driving snacks, supplies and water from the American Red Cross before getting another assignment.

Lee said he could be assigned to deliver meals or stationed at a shelter.

Lee retired from the Navy. He said he’s no stranger to relief trips and as long as he is able to help, he will.

He and his wife are scheduled to assist residents in Florida for 14 days.