A Caribbean family from Bridgeport is speaking publicly for the first time about the loved ones they lost when Hurricane Maria struck their homeland last week.

The Delmore family from the North End of Bridgeport say they are grieving the loss of nine close family members, an experience they describe as the worst nightmare they could possibly imagine.

The family is from the Caribbean island nation of Dominica, which was struck by Hurricane Maria Monday night.

They say the torrential force of the storm wiped their village right off the map, killing the nine loved ones they grew up with and whom left only to seek a better life for their children here in the United States.

Josaphine Delmore fought back tears while describing the state of her homeland, where roads have turned to rivers and dry land has been swallowed by the sea. She describes people starving and going without water.

In addition to the nine family members who died, many other relatives remain missing.

For Joseph Delmore, the family's patriarch, this horrible loss is the saddest chapter in the long history of his family.  

Bridgeport Mayor Joe Ganim met with the family this morning to convey condolences on behalf of the city. Ganim says he has never known any family here to have lost nine loved ones in a single tragedy.

The family is asking the public to help with a relief effort to Dominica.