CBS4 Meteorologist Michael Smith Hitches Ride For Bahamas Relief
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FORT LAUDERDALE (CBSMiami) – A South Florida charter company has been flying back and forth from the Bahamas – dropping off supplies and providing relief to the areas devastated by Hurricane Joaquin.
On Thursday, CBS4 Meteorologist Michael Smith hitched a ride with Tropic Ocean Airways to experience and document the difference they are making.
"When you see there are people in need and you have a way of helping them, there is no question about what you should do," said Kevin Reed, CFO of Tropic Ocean Airways.
The skies were clear and the view from the plane was majestic during the flight Thursday, but a week ago it was nothing but devastation.
When Joaquin became a category four it left many with nothing.
"It was a dire a situation. They told me that some of the islands such as Rum Cay, Crooked Island had to be evacuated," said Jermaine Bannister an Exuma resident.
"It was a tropical storm and in hours it turned into a monster, so it really caught a lot of people off guard," said Bradwin Haln who lives in Exuma.
That's why the supplies are critical as many have lost pretty much everything – from water, canned goods, to literally the roof over their heads.
"In some parts of Long Island, houses are totally gone," said Chanel Patrice Rowle.
Rowle is with the Red Cross who is also assisting in the relief efforts.
"We have been getting a lot of calls for clothing, for water. We have been getting a lot of support from the United States," she said.
Some of the locals are grateful that the storm missed their island, but are thankful supplies and relief efforts are flying in from South Florida.
"Thank god to all we made it. That's the key. The Bahamian people, we trust in God," said Haln.
These people still need a lot of hurricane supplies so Tropic Ocean Airways is still accepting donations. You can learn more about how to donate on their website: flytropic.com.