A group of 24 Peruvian citizens who remained in Jamaica after the passage of Hurricane Melissa returned to Lima this Saturday aboard the presidential plane, after several days of uncertainty caused by the damage left by the natural phenomenon.
The compatriots arrived in good health at the Las Palmas Air Base, in Surco, where they were received by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hugo de Zela.
The chancellor reported that the return flight was carried out by a Boeing 737 of the Peruvian Air Force, which had previously transported two tons of humanitarian aid to the Caribbean country.
De Zela stated that 16 of the Peruvians were evacuated from Montego Bay, in the north of Jamaica, and the remaining eight from the capital, Kingston.
“As soon as we heard the news of the devastating hurricane, the Government became concerned about the situation of its compatriots. There is a lot of damage and only yesterday it was possible to regularize (departure) because the airports were closed”he pointed out.
In the absence of a Peruvian diplomatic representation in Jamaica, the return was coordinated with the support of citizens who served as liaison with the Peruvian embassy in Panama. Thanks to this effort, it was possible to contact the 24 affected people, several of them tourists.
“There was no access to water, food, transportation. That’s why we reacted quickly and brought them. All of them are in good health, none of them expressed a need for special help.”said the chancellor, who also thanked Ambassador Pedro Bravo for his participation in the rescue operation.
Among those repatriated was Jorge del Río, who expressed his gratitude for the assistance received. He reported that his flight was scheduled for Wednesday, but weather conditions prevented his departure.
