As much as 8,000 holidaying British residents are in Jamaica because it reels from one of many strongest Atlantic hurricanes in historical past.
Folks have been ordered to remain indoors after Hurricane Melissa swept over the Caribbean island, which can be dwelling to 50,000 twin nationals, with vacationers locked down in resorts.
The complete extent of the destruction stays unclear, with the storm now en path to Cuba.
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Waves splash in Kingston, Jamaica, as Hurricane Melissa hits. Pic: AP
Andrew Tracey had been on account of fly dwelling to the UK from Jamaica on Monday, however his flight was cancelled as Melissa introduced winds of as much as 185mph.
“The balcony and walls do feel as though they are vibrating just due to the strength of the wind,” mentioned Mr Tracey.
“I’m very nervous, it’s hard to comprehend what we are likely to expect.”
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Folks stroll alongside a highway throughout the passing of Hurricane Melissa in Rocky Level, Jamaica, on Tuesday. Pic: AP
The US Nationwide Hurricane Centre in Miami mentioned Melissa was “one of the most powerful hurricane landfalls on record in the Atlantic basin” because it hit southwestern Jamaica close to New Hope.
In a social media submit, the centre warned that it’s an “extremely dangerous and life-threatening situation” – and instructed these within the space to not go away their shelter as the attention of the storm passes over.
‘It’s a bit scary, however we have one another’
Shantell Nova Rochester and her Jamaican fiance Denva Wray are on account of get married on the island subsequent month.
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Floods tear by means of elements of Jamaica
They spoke of damaged home windows and water coming in the place they’re staying, however the couple imagine they’re “as safe as they can possibly be” in St Elizabeth.
Mr Wray mentioned: “Where we are is quite strong, sturdy, but you can hear a lot of wind. It is a bit scary, but we’ve got each other, so we are strong.”
Requested in regards to the marriage ceremony, Ms Rochester mentioned: “We’re just worried about getting through tomorrow, but that’s a worry in the back of our heads.
“The place we plan to get married is flooded right now.”
Government action ‘too late’ – British tourist
One British man who paid £3,500 for last-minute flights so he and his family could return home before the hurricane hit the island said he felt “utterly let down” by the federal government’s response.
David Rowe and his household, from Hertfordshire, had spent 10 days in Jamaica earlier than deciding to fly again to the UK on Saturday.
Mr Rowe, 47, was vital of the response of the Overseas, Commonwealth and Improvement Workplace (FCDO).
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David Rowe together with his spouse Abby, daughter Cora, eight, and son Ethan, 12, throughout their vacation in Jamaica. Pic: PA/handout
“The advice should have been last week, like on the Saturday – don’t travel – because a lot of the travel companies use the FCDO guidance on travel (for) all their planning and what decisions they make as an organisation.
“There ought to have been one thing carried out a lot before this. A variety of the UK nationals, and folks on vacation there, they’re stranded.
“This could have been prevented with better action from the UK government.”
Mr Rowe added that he and his spouse had felt “very anxious” earlier than they flew dwelling – and “very sad” for these left within the nation.
A Overseas Workplace spokesperson mentioned: “We understand how worrying developments in Jamaica are for British nationals and their families.
“Our journey recommendation consists of details about hurricane season, which runs from June to November. Final Thursday we up to date our journey recommendation for Jamaica to incorporate a warning about Tropical Storm Melissa and that it was anticipated to accentuate over the approaching days.
“The safety and security of British nationals is our top priority, and that is why we are urging any British nationals in Jamaica to follow the guidance of the local authorities and register their presence with us to receive updates.”
