Montreal family awaits news from Haiti in wake of Hurricane Matthew

Haitian MontrealerNirkaLamurrecently found out that shelost two family members back home in Haitito Hurricane Matthew, but she doesn't know exactly who they are.

"Based on the where the house was located... it is her family," said Lamur's daughter,Linda Jeune."But as to who it is, we don't know exactly and we won't know until there's communication."

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Contact with the family'shome village near Port Saluthas been completely cut off, but they have heard the entire area was decimated by the storm.

"We heard they were trying to hide,and they went under their bed and their house just collapsed on them," saidJeune.

The Caribbeannation's fatality count has risen to nearly 900with many more missing,in the wake of the hurricane. The storm has continued its march north along the eastern coast of the United States.

The devastation of the hurricanecame as a shock to the Haitian Montrealers, many of whomhaven't been able to reach their families.

"Nobody expected it to be that bad,"Jeunesaid.

Not expecting to find the same place

While they wait for news, thefamily is worriedabout what kind of funeral arrangements their loved ones can expect.

"It's worrisome," Lamur said. "There's no morgue, there's no electricity, nothing."

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Lamur and her daughtermoved to Montreal 35 years ago, but still considerHaiti to be their homeand return to visit it regularly.

They have friends and family in Haiti, as well as a group of children thatLamur has taken under her wing. She brings them school supplies and food, and helps them as best she can when she makes her annual trip home.

"I am very close with these children, these kids are a part of my life," she said.

After the storm ravaged the southwest of the country, Lamurwas relieved to find out the children survived, even thoughthey don't have access to essential services or, in some cases, shelter.

"They don't have a home, but they're alive," shesaid.

Both mother and daughter hope to returnto Haiti soon as possible to helpbut they aren'texpecting to find the same place when they return.

"It's going tofeel different this time," said Jeune."The joy we used to have, when you go there, when you first get there, is not there anymore so now it's really all about people."