The Canadian government is cautioning citizens against traveling to specific areas in the Caribbean due to Hurricane Melissa’s impact on the region. The powerful Category 5 storm caused significant damage in Cuba, Jamaica, and Haiti, resulting in casualties and widespread destruction. It disrupted power supply and forced residents to evacuate flooded communities.
Global Affairs Canada (GAC) mentioned that no Canadians were reported among the storm’s casualties but issued updated travel advisories for the affected regions. Canadians are advised to avoid travel to Jamaica, Haiti, and the eastern parts of Cuba. This advisory for Haiti was previously issued due to security concerns like kidnappings and violence.
Moreover, travelers are urged to reconsider non-essential trips to the southeastern and central Bahamas, the Turks and Caicos Islands, and Bermuda. GAC is dispatching a rapid-response team to provide emergency response and aid in the impacted areas.
For assistance in the affected regions, Canadians can reach out to GAC through various communication channels like telephone, email, SMS, WhatsApp, and Signal. Randeep Sarai, secretary of state for international development, emphasized that Canada is closely monitoring the situation and stands ready to assist with logistics or humanitarian aid upon local requests.
Sarai highlighted the severity of the disaster, stating that Hurricane Melissa, being a Category 5 storm, is the most powerful ever recorded in Jamaica’s history. He mentioned collaborative efforts with Cuba and Jamaica, accessing emergency funds from the United Nations that Canada has contributed to significantly this year.
Additionally, Canadian-supported funds managed by organizations like the Red Cross and World Food Program have also been utilized for relief efforts. Sarai expressed Canada’s willingness to consider any further requests for humanitarian aid once formal appeals are made.