As Hurricane Beryl rips toward the southeast Caribbean, Global Affairs Canada is warning travellers to avoid non-essential travel to Jamaica as well as several countries in the region.
Non-essential travel warnings are in place for the Cayman Islands, Jamaica, Union Island in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Carriacou and Petite Martinique in Grenada due to Hurricane Beryl.
In the same statement, Canadians were also warned to avoid all travel to Haiti due to the hurricane, as well as threats posed by kidnappings, gang violence and civil unrest.
On Monday, Beryl developed into a Category 5 storm as peak winds sped to 270 km/h. It later weakened to Category 4.
At least seven people have died.
The tearing winds have also caused widespread property and environmental damage.
Forecasters expect the storm to enter Jamaica on Wednesday. Islanders are scrambling to board windows and bring boats ashore. Officials have warned people in flood-prone areas to prepare to leave
There are 3,162 Canadians registered in Haiti, 1,524 in the Cayman Islands, 1,625 in Jamaica, 236 in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and 341 in Grenada. GAC says those numbers only represent those who chose to register, adding that there may be more.
What to do if you encounter a storm while travelling
GAC has published instructions for travellers who may find themselves in the path of a storm while abroad.
If you have time before the storm arrives:
- Take stock of local emergency phone numbers.Make sure you have access to the transportation necessary to leave quickly.
- Locate shelters and escape routes.
- Make sure your travel mates are included and clear on your emergency plan.
- Prepare an emergency kit. Ensure you have your passport, phone, charger, medication, and cash.
If you need to shelter in place:
- Keep your emergency kit close by.
- Keep the TV or radio on and monitor local media for updates.
- Stay inside until you’re told it’s safe to exit.
Once the storm passes:
- Stay out of flood water, which may be contaminated.
- Don’t drive through flooded areas, which could damage your vehicle.
- Be careful around buildings and power lines that may be damaged.
- Let your family and friends in Canada know you are safe.
Need help?
Canadians living and travelling abroad can get emergengy consular assistance by contacting the Emergency Watch and Response Centre:
- By phone: +1 613-996-8885
- By text: +1 613-686-3658
- By email at sos@international.gc.ca
- Via Signal at +1 613-909-8087
- Via Telegram at Canada Emergency Abroad
- Via WhatsApp at +1 613-909-8881