Foreign Office issues Hurricane Melissa update for UK tourists urged to take action as storm hits Jamaica - Manchester Evening News

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has issued a critical update for British nationals currently in Jamaica as Hurricane Melissa makes its presence felt. This category five hurricane, the strongest Jamaica has faced in over 174 years of recorded weather history, struck the island on Tuesday. With winds reaching up to 170 miles per hour, accompanied by waves soaring as high as 4 metres and nearly 1000 millimetres of rain forecasted, the storm poses a significant threat to both residents and tourists alike. Earlier on Monday, about 5,000 British holidaymakers and residents were warned about the looming dangers, including catastrophic flash floods and landslides. In response to the escalating emergency, the Jamaican government took the drastic step of closing its two international airports in Kingston and Montego Bay indefinitely. Citizens and visitors have been urged to seek shelter in the nearest designated hurricane shelters to ensure their safety. Most flights departing from the UK to Jamaica were cancelled in advance, anticipating these extreme weather conditions. In addition, a crisis centre has been established by the FCDO to provide 24-hour consular support to British nationals on the island. The Royal Navy has also positioned HMS Trent nearby, ready to assist with potential evacuation efforts, underscoring the gravity of the situation. The UK travel trade organisation Abta has advised all travellers to stay updated by monitoring both local and international weather reports. On Tuesday afternoon, the FCDO strengthened travel advice and encouraged all British nationals in Jamaica to officially register their presence, allowing better coordination of any necessary support or evacuation. The UK government is also mobilizing specialist Rapid Deployment Teams and preparing humanitarian aid to assist in the aftermath of the hurricane’s impact. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper addressed the situation via Sky News, emphasizing the seriousness of Hurricane Melissa and the widespread concern among families and friends in Jamaica and the wider region. She confirmed that the Foreign Office crisis centre is actively monitoring the storm and coordinating UK support efforts. Cooper also mentioned her recent discussions with the Jamaican foreign minister, reaffirming the UK’s solidarity and commitment to assist the Jamaican people during this crisis. She urged everyone to heed the official travel advice and follow the instructions provided by the Jamaican authorities. The hurricane season in Jamaica typically spans from June to November, but this year the region has been experiencing unusually intense weather patterns. The FCDO highlighted that climate change is making the Caribbean increasingly vulnerable to such extreme weather events, signalling a worrying trend for the future. With the hurricane causing severe disruptions, the immediate focus remains on safeguarding lives and property. Authorities are working around the clock to provide support and coordinate emergency responses. The coming days will reveal the full extent of the damage, but preparations are in full swing to mitigate the storm’s devastating effects and assist those impacted as swiftly as possible.