British Columbia Family Escapes Hurricane Melissa’s Fury in Jamaica

A British Columbia family experienced the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa, which struck Jamaica as a Category 5 storm. The storm left behind significant destruction, claiming at least 32 lives and affecting over 100,000 housing structures, according to the United Nations. Chris Kerr, from Terrace, B.C., and his family were vacationing on the island when the hurricane hit, prompting a frantic escape to safety.

Kerr described the terrifying moments of the storm, recalling, “You could hear glass smashing, things bouncing off walls, the wind picking stuff up and throwing it around.” He, along with his wife and two children, sought refuge in a theatre at their resort. As the hurricane raged on, the theatre sustained severe damage, allowing water to pour in. The chaos heightened as families scrambled for safety, with Kerr stepping into a leadership role to help others. “I turned into rescue mode at that point and I was helping families get out,” he stated.

As of October 29, 2023, there were no reports of Canadian fatalities linked to the hurricane. Randeep Sarai, Secretary of State for International Development, confirmed that Canada is closely monitoring the situation and stands ready to provide humanitarian assistance. Both Jamaica and Cuba accessed US$4 million from a UN emergency fund, to which Canada has contributed over $29 million this year.

Following the storm, Kerr and other visitors faced challenges in their attempts to return home. An email from Global News indicated that there were 2,113 Canadians registered in Jamaica at the time of the hurricane. Kerr recounted how WestJet passengers were informed of bus transportation to the airport, but upon arrival in Kingston, they found the airport without power and were redirected back to Ocho Rios. The family finally made it to Montego Bay, where they encountered similar power issues, before securing a flight back home.

Kerr’s family was initially scheduled to return on October 29 but ultimately arrived in British Columbia on November 3. Now back home, Kerr is eager to contribute to the rebuilding efforts in Jamaica. With his experience as a water and sanitary officer with the Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine, he has registered with the Red Cross, the Jamaican government, and Operators Without Borders.

“I don’t have a lot of money, but what I can do is go back down and help rebuild,” Kerr expressed. He emphasized the importance of restoring critical infrastructure, such as water systems and sewage facilities, to support affected residents. “I couldn’t get down there fast enough now,” he added, noting the support he has received from his family and employer regarding his desire to assist in recovery efforts.