B.C. Family Escapes Hurricane Melissa’s Fury in Jamaica

A family from British Columbia endured the terrifying experience of Hurricane Melissa during their vacation in Jamaica, which struck as a Category 5 storm. Chris Kerr, along with his wife and two children, sought refuge in a theatre at their resort as chaos erupted around them. Since the storm made landfall, at least 32 people in Jamaica have been confirmed dead, and the United Nations reported that nearly 36,000 individuals now require food assistance. Over 100,000 housing structures have been affected by the disaster.

Kerr vividly recalls the harrowing moments as the storm raged. “You could hear glass smashing, things bouncing off walls, the wind picking stuff up and throwing it around,” he said. The conditions worsened when the storm compromised the theatre’s structure, allowing rainwater to pour in. He described the scene as chaotic, with people screaming in panic. “I turned into rescue mode at that point and I was helping families get out,” he added.

Following the hurricane, no Canadian casualties have been reported. Randeep Sarai, Secretary of State for International Development, stated that Canada is closely monitoring the situation and stands ready to assist with local humanitarian needs. He highlighted that both Jamaica and Cuba have accessed US$4 million from a United Nations emergency fund, to which Canada contributed more than $29 million this year.

At the time of the hurricane, there were 2,113 Canadians registered in Jamaica. In the aftermath, many tourists struggled to return home. Kerr shared that WestJet passengers were initially informed that a bus would take them to the airport. However, upon arrival in Kingston, they discovered there was no power and were forced to return to Ocho Rios.

The following day, they attempted to reach the airport in Montego Bay, only to encounter the same issue. Eventually, they boarded a flight with only a handful of other passengers. “My family of four and then I think there were four other people and they closed the door,” Kerr recounted. They were relieved to finally be airborne, but their journey home was delayed until November 3, 2023.

Having returned to British Columbia, Kerr expressed a strong desire to return to Jamaica to aid in the recovery efforts. As a water and sanitary officer with the Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine, he aims to use his expertise to assist in rebuilding essential infrastructure. He has registered with the Red Cross, the Jamaican government, and Operators Without Borders, hoping to return to the island soon.

“I couldn’t get down there fast enough now,” he said. Kerr emphasized his commitment to helping rebuild water systems and sewers, which are critical for residents recovering from the storm’s impact. “I’ve explained to my family that this is something that I need to do,” he added, indicating that he has also communicated his intentions to his employer, who is supportive of his efforts.

As Jamaica embarks on its recovery journey, Kerr’s determination to contribute reflects the resilience and solidarity that emerges in the wake of natural disasters.