South Floridians collecting supplies for storm-ravaged Dominica

After Tropical Storm Erika ripped through the small island of Dominica last week, roads were rendered impassable, homes were destroyed and people were left without basic supplies, including food and water.

Now people from the island living in South Florida have rallied to collect emergency supplies and ship them to the island nation, where at least 20 people were killed and 50 people were unaccounted for.

“It is a catastrophe,” said Alex Bruno, the president of Erika Diaspora Relief, which was created to help the Caribbean island of about 100,000 people. “They need immediate relief.”

Bruno said there are about 10,000 people in South Florida from Dominica, which is known for its rivers, mountains and lush greenery.

“This is the worst natural disaster that has hit the island,” he said. “People lost everything.”

Bruno said the plan is to ship large containers by boat — the airport was destroyed — carrying water, food, medical supplies, toiletries, sheets, towels, diapers and formula, flashlights, batteries, candles and all other hurricane supplies. The first shipment is scheduled for Thursday.

Collection sites have been set up around South Florida at various businesses and homes, Bruno said.

“We are asking the community for help,” he said. “The island was destroyed and they need all the help they can get.”

This story was originally published August 31, 2015 at 9:54 PM with the headline "South Floridians collecting supplies for storm-ravaged Dominica."