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The aftermath of Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica has prompted the UK government to act swiftly in arranging chartered flights to assist Britons in leaving the Caribbean island. Approximately 8,000 British nationals are currently in Jamaica, with urgent advice from the Foreign Office to register their presence to stay updated on the disaster response. While the exact number of chartered planes was not disclosed, the UK government assured that Brits and their immediate family members would have access to the flights if they held valid travel documents.
Hurricane Melissa, a rare category five storm, wreaked havoc in Jamaica upon making landfall on Tuesday, resulting in a devastating trail of destruction, flooding, and fatalities as it swept through the Caribbean. The storm claimed at least five lives in Jamaica, with an additional 20 confirmed deaths in Haiti. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper emphasized that the chartered flights aimed to supplement commercial capacity and facilitate the safe return of British nationals to the UK as soon as possible, acknowledging the distressing circumstances many have faced in the wake of the hurricane.
The UK government pledged £2.5m in aid towards the relief efforts following Hurricane Melissa, with the funds designated for providing essential emergency supplies like shelter kits, water filters, and blankets. Furthermore, technical experts have been dispatched to aid in the disaster response on the ground. Britons stranded in Jamaica, such as Lyndsey Hookway and Paul Potter and his family, shared their harrowing experiences of being caught in the chaos caused by the hurricane, underscoring the challenges faced by those awaiting assistance.
As the remnants of Hurricane Melissa continue to pose threats in parts of Jamaica, the US National Hurricane Center has cautioned about the potential for further heavy rainfall, raising concerns of flash flooding and landslides. While the storm has moved away from Jamaica towards the Atlantic, the impact of its aftermath remains a looming risk. The Met Office anticipates the remnants of Melissa to reach the UK in the coming week, albeit as a relatively standard weather system, urging vigilance and preparedness for any ensuing inclement conditions
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