UK Charters Flights to Evacuate Stranded Brits from Storm-Ravaged Jamaica

On November 1, 2025, the UK government announced it would be chartering flights to evacuate British nationals from Jamaica, which was left in ruins by the powerful Hurricane Melissa earlier this week. The Category 5 storm, one of the strongest on record to hit the Caribbean, slammed into the island on Tuesday, killing at least 19 people and leaving thousands crammed into shelters without access to basic necessities.

The hurricane's destruction has been particularly severe in the southwest of Jamaica, where entire communities have been cut off due to flattened homes and blocked roads. Desperate residents have reported looting and chaos as they struggle to find food, water, and other supplies, with many complaining that government aid has yet to reach them. Around 8,000 British tourists were estimated to have been on the island when the storm struck.

The UK Foreign Office has advised British nationals to use commercial flights to leave Jamaica, but has also chartered a small number of flights to assist those unable to do so. The government has also pledged £7.5 million in humanitarian aid, including shelter kits and solar-powered lanterns for those still without power. The first charter flight is set to depart Kingston's airport on Saturday.

Meanwhile, the hurricane has also caused significant damage in neighboring Cuba, where authorities have been working to rescue residents stranded by severe flooding. The storm has claimed at least 50 lives across the Caribbean region.