𝓤𝓷𝓲𝓽𝓮𝓭 𝓝𝓮𝔀𝓼

An emergency warning has been issued as thousands of Brits face being trapped in Jamaica with a devastating category five hurricane on the way. The Foreign Office delivered the warning just hours before Hurricane Melissa struck the island, with the country’s government telling locals to find immediate shelter. 

There have already been seven storm-related deaths as people prepared for the 175mph storm to arrive. With four-metre-high storm surges and torrential rain expected, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has set up an emergency crisis centre to help British nationals in trouble. Navy ship HMS Trent is on standby in the region, and active discussions are already under way about sending humanitarian aid if needed. 

It’s understood that nearly 8,000 British nationals are currently trapped on the island either holidaying or visiting family, with a further 50,000 dual British nationals also facing the brutal storm.

In a statement on Monday, Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said the UK is “closely monitoring Hurricane Melissa as it approaches Jamaica”.

She said she had spoken to Kamina Smith, Jamaica’s senator and minister of foreign affairs, to offer Britain’s support.

Ms Cooper added: “The FCDO stands ready to help British nationals 24/7. Follow our travel advice and the advice of Jamaican authorities.”

Those in the area worried about finding shelter were directed to the country’s official shelter list at odpem.org.jm/shelters. 

British nationals requiring urgent consular assistance were also directed to call +1 (876) 936 0700 (option 2) for additional help. 

The Jamaican health ministry said: “We urge the public to exercise extreme caution: activities such as climbing roofs, securing sandbags, or cutting trees may seem manageable, but even minor mistakes during hurricane conditions can result in serious injury or death.

“Driving through flooded roads or areas with debris is also extremely hazardous. Health centres remain closed, but hospitals are open and attending to storm-related injuries.

“Please be wise, stay safe, and protect yourself and your family during this storm.”

Hurricane Melissa is expected to be the strongest storm of 2025, with winds pumelling the region. 

If confirmed as a category five storm, it would be the strongest to hit the island since records began 174 years ago. 

The National Hurricane Centre in Miami warned: “Catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and numerous landslides are likely.”

Three people in Jamaica have already died, along with three in Haiti and one in the Dominican Republic. 

Jamaican prime minister Andrew Holness said: “I have been on my knees in prayer.”