Nearly 200 Canadians return home from Los Cabos hit by Hurricane Odile

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VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – Close to 200 people returned to Vancouver on Wednesday night after a shortened trip in Cabo San Lucas. The area was destroyed by Hurricane Odile on Sunday. Everyone off that flight was happy to be on Canadian soil but also sad to have seen such tragedy.

“We were lucky to be back here because all the other people are still there. You know, there are a lot of neighbourhoods that were devastated, it’s not safe there for a lot of people,” says a grateful Susan.

Many had personal stories about survival. “No food, no water, no toilets, nothing. I had to walk ten miles to grab food. I got attacked by a wild dog in the bush – bit my arm just to come back with a can of beans and some crackers…People were stealing, no medical, people were trying to survive. It’s a third world country now there for sure,” explained Brad Lutz who was traveling with his family including two young kids.

Evan Powroznik says it was a “terrifying experience.” He says he had to hike to the airport with a “random Mexican” in an attempt to come home.
“It was insane. We just had the craziest day…We had no idea how we were going to get out. We just kept hearing that there was more and more looting and more danger for us to be leaving the hotel, but they were running out of food and water so we couldn’t stay.”

Many were expecting fun or romance poolside or by the beach but instead witnessed flooding and flattened buildings.
“It was scary! We couldn’t see outside until the morning and basically everything was flat and destroyed,” adds Casey Zimmerman.

But the disaster brought out the best in people according to Zimmerman who says many had to care for children and babies they just met.

Families relieved to be reunited with loved ones

Before the plane landed, Debbie Reid wasn’t sure if she was ever going to see her daughter again. The lack of communication meant she couldn’t get in touch with her daughter. Also, due to security purposes the airline couldn’t confirm if she was on the plane.
“I’ve hadn’t had any contact with her. I’m praying that she’s on this flight. It’s the only flight that’s coming in to Vancouver and I just pray she’s going to be on it.’

A short time later, the worried mother got the best possible news.
“Horror stories I was hearing that they had to go through. I didn’t know if she was going to be on this plane or not. She’s home and she’s safe,” Reid says with tears in her eyes.

Joanne Mayzes anxiously waited for her son and girlfriend. She was also elated to see them arrive.
“I’m really, really, happy to have them back home. It’s really hard when you can’t talk to them and you have no idea what’s going on.”

Sunwing Airlines which took the passengers back to Vancouver also ran another full flight with stranded tourists to Toronto.

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