Britons Evacuated from Jamaica as Hurricane Melissa Hits, UK Dispatches Aid
A government‑chartered aircraft carrying British nationals arrived at Gatwick Airport early Thursday after departing from Kingston’s Norman Manley International Airport. The flight was part of a coordinated evacuation effort launched in response to Hurricane Melissa, which made landfall on the north‑east coast of Jamaica late Wednesday.
Melissa, a Category 3 storm with sustained winds of 115 mph, has caused widespread flooding, power outages, and structural damage across several parishes, prompting the Jamaican authorities to declare a state of emergency. The Ministry of Health reported over 200 injuries and dozens of displaced families, while emergency shelters are operating at full capacity in the capital, Kingston, and surrounding towns.
The United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) activated its emergency response plan for British overseas territories, dispatching a cargo aircraft laden with medical supplies, food rations, and temporary shelter kits. In addition to the evacuation flight, a second RAF transport plane is scheduled to deliver additional aid later this week, coordinated with local Jamaican officials and the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency.
British officials emphasized that the evacuation prioritized citizens without permanent residency in Jamaica, particularly those in vulnerable groups such as the elderly and families with young children. “Our priority is the safety of British nationals abroad, and we are working closely with Jamaican authorities to ensure a swift and orderly return,” a spokesperson for the FCDO said. Local authorities have also urged residents to heed evacuation orders and to avoid travel on damaged roadways.
Analysts note that the rapid response reflects lessons learned from previous Caribbean storms, where logistical bottlenecks hampered relief efforts. The aid package includes portable water purification units and generators to restore essential services in affected communities. The Jamaican government has appealed for international assistance, and regional partners are expected to contribute additional resources.
As recovery efforts commence, authorities on both islands are monitoring the storm’s residual impacts, including the risk of landslides and further flooding. The evacuation flight delivered 115 passengers to the UK, where they will be processed through standard repatriation procedures. Meanwhile, the focus remains on providing humanitarian support to the thousands of Jamaicans still displaced by Hurricane Melissa.
