The Canadian government is cautioning citizens against traveling to specific areas in the Caribbean due to the impact of Hurricane Melissa. The powerful Category 5 storm caused significant devastation in Cuba, Jamaica, and Haiti, resulting in casualties, power outages, and displacement of residents from flooded communities.
Global Affairs Canada (GAC) confirmed that there have been no reports of Canadian fatalities in the storm but has issued updated travel advisories for the affected region. Canadians are advised to avoid travel to Jamaica, Haiti, and the eastern parts of Cuba. Previous advisories for Haiti were due to safety concerns related to kidnappings and violence.
Furthermore, travelers are urged to reconsider non-essential trips to the southeastern and central Bahamas, the Turks and Caicos Islands, and Bermuda. GAC is mobilizing a rapid-response team to provide emergency support and aid in the affected areas.
For assistance, Canadians in the impacted regions can reach out to GAC through various channels, including phone, email, SMS, WhatsApp, and Signal. Randeep Sarai, the secretary of state for international development, emphasized Canada’s close monitoring of the situation and readiness to assist with logistical and humanitarian needs upon local requests.
Sarai highlighted the severity of the disaster, noting that Hurricane Melissa is the most powerful storm on record for Jamaica. Both Cuba and Jamaica have accessed emergency funds, including contributions from Canada, to support relief efforts. Collaboration with the governments and organizations in the affected countries is ongoing to provide additional humanitarian aid as needed.
