"I've never seen anything like this, I've experienced many hurricanes but none like this."

Wilf Unrau, Director of International Projects with World Serve Ministries, explains that's exactly what they're hearing from ministry partners in Cuba who've lived in the country for over 45 years.

Cuba's North shore was recently devastated by Category 5 Hurricane Irma, leaving many without any earthly possessions.

"We have a lot of people without food, without water," he says. "Right now it looks very daunting."

Irma is considered the worst to hit Cuba since 1937

Unrau, a Plum Coulee resident, says they know of one village with over 20 dead, though help hasn't arrived yet as the road into the community is completely washed out.

Another fishing village employed approximately 50 boats. Last week they were down to two.

"I find it hard to imagine what that'd be like, to lose your home, your livelihood and your business," he says. "It's just gone."

Adding to their challenges, the price of necessities (such as charcoal for cooking fires) has jumped five-fold. A few weeks before a 100 lbs bag of charcoal might've cost $30 USD. This week it's $150 USD.

Photos courtesy World Serve Ministries

"That's tough in a country where the average salary is $20 USD a month," he says.

He explains the number one help right now is financial support for food and water.

"It's the most effective and quick solution for a need that, at this point, looks absolutely huge," Unrau says.