Ont. couple stranded in Jamaica following Hurricane Melissa

A couple from Kitchener, Ont. is trying to find a way back home after riding out Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica. CTV’s Karis Mapp reports.

Jamaica has withstood the initial brunt of Hurricane Melissa and now cleanup and relief efforts are underway.

A couple from Kitchener, Ont. were on the island as the powerful storm ripped through the area. Zeljko Loncar and his wife are now focused on trying to get home to Waterloo Region.

The pair travelled to the southern coast of Jamaica on Oct. 23 after booking the vacation approximately two months ago.

Loncar, the owner of 271West Restaurant in Kitchener, said he was shocked to learn there was an incoming hurricane.

“We didn’t know anything like that,” he said. “If we had known that was coming, we wouldn’t have traveled. We would have stayed home, of course.”

The pair tried to book a last-minute flight back to Canada before the hurricane made landfall as a Category 5 storm.

“We tried different companies like WestJet, but it didn’t work,” he said. “Originally, we came with Air Canada, but again, we didn’t have any clue or idea what was happening.”

The resort the couple stayed at prepared for the hurricane by shutting down all restaurants and amenities.

Despite the growing fear on the island, the couple said they had no other choice and braced for what was to come.

“[Employees] said the building was built to make sure everybody’s safe. If you follow the rules and don’t go outside, of course. So, we followed the rules,” Loncar said.

When Hurricane Melissa made landfall, Loncar said it was unlike anything he had experienced before.

“The first part of the storm was maybe an hour-and-a-half, and it was just strong wind and rain.”

After a brief respite, another round of rain followed.

“The second part of the storm destroyed more than the first,” recalled Loncar. “It was wind coming from any side, every side. Not just one direction - it’s going around and things were flying.”

The two have been restricted to their room since Sunday and are awaiting word about when they’ll be able to leave.

“We are receiving food and supplies. They are doing whatever they can to make sure we have enough water and food,” said Loncar.

“We had a time with no power, no water, no internet.”

Their return flight is scheduled for Thursday, but Loncar says he’s unsure if making the flight will be a possibility.

“We don’t know if that’s going to happen or not. Because of all the rain, we don’t know if there are roads to the airport.”