Earthquake destroys St Thomas family’s home

Judene Edwards, a 52-year-old resident of Ramble, St Thomas, has lived at her family home for nearly half a century. But the once sturdy concrete structure, which has weathered the tests of time and seen many generations come and go, fell victim to the destructive force of yesterday's 5.6 magnitude earthquake.

The house, which comprises three bedrooms, a kitchen, a living room, bathroom and a verandah, once provided shelter to Edwards' grandparents and parents. It now houses her family, including an adult son, two younger children, and two grandchildren. Her parenting extends beyond her home, as she works as a cook at the Ramble Basic School.

Edwards was in the canteen preparing lunch when the earthquake struck. She recalled the harrowing moment when everything in the canteen began to tremble. With many trying to reach her, the news of her home's destruction came from her son, who was the only relative present at the house.

"After it [the shaking] cooled down, I called my son because I know we live on the hill, but I never imagined anything severe would happen because that house has seen many earthquakes," she told THE STAR. "My son said 'Mommy, our house mash down, all the bathroom gone'. I told him he was joking in disbelief. I tried to calm myself because I didn't want it to give me pressure. When I saw it, all I had to think about is that my son is alive and that God will bring us through."

Her 29-year-old son, Jhevan Edwards, who usually works in construction, described the ordeal as both shocking and difficult to comprehend.

"I am just coming back to myself, I am so shaken up. I was in my room and when I felt it [the earthquake], I ran out without hesitation. I watched as the house crumbled down, but it's like I didn't even know what was happening. It was when I went back in the house that's when I realised I was looking on the road," he admitted.

A photo of the dwelling shows where blocks in the foundation stood. Edwards explained that she had plans to build a chicken coop but postponed it to create an additional room for her growing 15-year-old son. She now faces the daunting prospect of rebuilding.

"It is really shocking that I am going to have to start from scratch. I am hoping to get some help to rebuild. Right now I am considering that if I want to use the bathroom, I will have to go to someone's home," Judene said.

Jhevan, with his construction expertise, is willing to contribute to the reconstruction effort, with a focus on building a stronger and more resilient foundation.

"All that was on my mind in the actual moment was my three-year-old child, I am just glad that nobody else was here. The best thing is that none of the children saw this because it is shocking. We have to start from scratch and build a more firm foundation," he said.

The family is contemplating staying in the house but they have been discouraged from doing so by a friend who is offering Edwards a place to stay. Edwards, while concerned about encroaching on her friend's space, doesn't seem to have much choice given the dire conditions of her home.