Canadians Among Those Stuck In Hurricane Dean’s Path

Hurricane Dean has already torn through the Dominican Republic, leaving devastation unseen on the island since Ivan in 2004.

On Sunday it set its sights on Jamaica, and the small Caribbean island is just one of many that the massive Category 4 storm could crush in its path before it’s all over.

Along with the millions of concerned locals and government officials there and in Haiti, the Cayman Islands and portions of Mexico and the U.S., many Canadians sit among the stranded waiting for sustained winds up roughly 230 kilometres an hour.

Nicole Frolick is one such individual.

“The storm’s a lot bigger than what Ivan was,” Frolick said by phone from Grand Cayman.

“Ivan almost destroyed this island … everyone that lived through it just wants to get off the island.”

Similar concerns exist for many Torontonians, waiting to hear about family either living or visiting the region.

Toronto restaurant owner Carl Allen has plenty of relatives in his native Jamaica, and worries the harsh winds could have long-lasting effects on them and their communities.

“All you can do is wait,” he laments. “If it’s as hard as it’s expected to be, it’s going to take years for a lot of people to rebuild or get their lives back.”

At Pearson International Airport the key words were cancelled or delayed, as arrival boards showed little else to friends and family waiting for a plane with their loved ones on board to land safely.

And the worst might not be over. The storm is expected to briefly strengthen to Category 5 status Tuesday as it hits Mexico’s gulf coast.

In the meantime, a curfew has been called for many parts of Jamaica and hydro has been shut off across the island for security reasons.

So far eight deaths, including that of an 11-year-old Dominican boy, are being blamed on the hurricane.

As for Canadians, there are no exact numbers regarding just how many are in harms way, but Air Canada has sent multiple planes to the region, though some of those flights were cancelled due to airport closures.

  • If you’re worried about friends and family who are stranded in the Caribbean you can call the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for more information. The number there is 1-800-267-8376.

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