The Canadian government is cautioning citizens against traveling to specific areas in the Caribbean as Hurricane Melissa sweeps through the region. The powerful Category 5 storm caused significant damage and casualties in Cuba, Jamaica, and Haiti, leading to power outages and the displacement of residents in flooded communities.
Global Affairs Canada (GAC) confirmed that no Canadians were reported among the storm’s casualties but has updated travel advisories for the affected regions. Canadians are advised to refrain from traveling to Jamaica, Haiti, and the eastern parts of Cuba. The advisory for Haiti was already in place due to safety concerns like kidnappings and violence.
Furthermore, travelers are urged to avoid 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 aid and support in the affected regions. Canadians in need of assistance can reach out to GAC via telephone, email, SMS, WhatsApp, or Signal.
Randeep Sarai, the secretary of state for international development, emphasized Canada’s close monitoring of the situation and readiness to assist with local requests for logistical and humanitarian aid. Sarai highlighted the severity of the disaster, describing Hurricane Melissa as the most powerful storm Jamaica has ever experienced.
Canada has contributed to emergency funds utilized by Cuba and Jamaica, including disbursements from Canadian-supported initiatives by the Red Cross and World Food Program. Sarai affirmed Canada’s willingness to consider additional requests for humanitarian relief upon submission.
