British nationals in Jamaica are urged to register with the
Foreign Office as the island faces its storm on record, ensuring timely updates
and support.
It comes after the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) established an extremity center on the Caribbean islet that is prepared to help Britons. HMS Trent, a Royal Navy vessel, is formerly on a buttress in the area.
Approximately 5,000 British nationals are believed to be on the island, although the government does not maintain track of the number of British nationals abroad.
According to the FCDO, there might be up to 700 mm of rain, four-meter waves, and gusts of up to 135 mph, which could result in catastrophic flash floods and landslides.
A list of hurricane shelters that are available has been released by the Jamaican government.
Speaking to broadcasters on Tuesday morning, foreign secretary Yvette Cooper said:
“This is a very serious storm, and many people will be concerned about friends and family in Jamaica and in the region.
We’ve set up the crisis centre here in the Foreign Office to provide 24-hour consular assistance to British nationals, but also to monitor Hurricane Melissa and to make sure we are ready and stand ready to provide UK support to Jamaica.
I’ve spoken to the Jamaican foreign minister to offer our support and solidarity to the Jamaican people as they face the storm, and I would encourage everyone to follow both the Foreign Office’s travel advice and the instructions from the Jamaican government.”
What assistance can HMS Trent provide to British nationals?
Delivery and distribution of bottled water, exigency
inventories, and equipment to affected communities. Support with damage
assessment and airborne surveillance using onboard drone capabilities.
Deployment of specialist troops, similar to Royal Engineers, to help with repairing homes, structure, and creating flood tide defenses. furnishing humanitarian relief including food, medical aid, and engineering support for recovery efforts.
Offering security backing and helping maintain order in affected areas. Supporting evacuation and relocation efforts if demanded. Serving as a mobile base for coordinating relief operations in collaboration with original authorities and transnational agencies.