South Africans in Virgin Islands desperate for help

MORE than 280 South African professionals working on the British Virgin Islands are appealing to the South African government for assistance after Hurricane Irma.

Megan Grundling‚ who originates from the Western Cape‚ is one of those in need of relief or evacuation assistance.

Grundling is based in Cane Garden Bay in Tortola which was battered by the powerful wind.

“The situation is really devastating. People have lost their homes. Many are still shell-shocked,” she said.

“There is no electricity and the roads are unusable, but I am grateful to be alive.

“I know a group of South Africans are trying to get the South African government to assist us. We need help urgently.”

Graeme Callum, from Cape Town‚ who has been living abroad for 20 years‚ made a similar plea.

He said more than 70 South Africans were still missing.

Jane Decon, from the Western Cape, has not heard from her son, Craig, for the past four days.

“I last spoke to him on Tuesday,” Decon said.

“I am told phone lines have been affected by the hurricane, but I am worried and don’t know what to do.”

Department of International Relations and Cooperation spokesman Clayson Monyela said the department would liaise with the British government on the matter.