Update on Government of Canada response to Hurricane Maria
Statements
September 22, 2017 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada
Global Affairs Canada today issued the following statement:
“The Government of Canada continues to provide support and assistance to Canadians and to countries and territories impacted by Hurricane Maria.
“To date, more than 6,000 Canadians have been able to depart by commercial means from areas affected by Hurricane Maria. Canada is aware that 210 Canadians have requested assistance, particularly on the island of Dominica. To date, we have had no reports of deaths of or injuries to Canadians.
“Infrastructure on Dominica, including roads, airports and telephone lines, has been severely damaged, which complicates evacuation plans.
“We continue to explore all available options and are actively assessing how Canadian government assets in the region can be used to help Canadians depart.
“Global Affairs Canada is in contact with officials from two medical schools attended by Canadian students in Dominica. A number of students are evacuating Dominica to Saint Lucia by boat, starting today and over the next few days, conditions permitting. In Saint Lucia, a consular official is on the ground to provide any assistance required, including help to return safely to Canada.
“Canada’s diplomatic missions and members of its Standing Rapid Deployment Team in the region are working with local authorities, schools, international partners, airlines and tour operators to assist Canadians.
“A Canadian Disaster Assessment Team, in Dominica to assess humanitarian needs, has been working closely with partners there and was able to meet with Dominica’s Foreign Affairs Minister to determine how best Canada can support the country.
“Canadian Armed Forces personnel and assets are also deployed in the area, transporting supplies from Bridgetown, Barbados, to affected areas, providing aerial reconnaissance and support to humanitarian relief operations in affected countries in the region.
“Canadians requiring emergency consular assistance should contact the nearest Canadian government office or Global Affairs Canada’s 24/7 Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa, by collect call at +1 613 996 8885 or by email at sos@international.gc.ca.”
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Global Affairs Canada
343-203-7700
media@international.gc.ca
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