Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness has described the whole country a ‘disaster area’ after it was struck by the worst hurricane in modern history.
Three-quarters of the Caribbean island has no power, and phone lines and cell towers were torn down by Melissa, leaving tens of thousands without communications.
Flooding is worst in the west of the island, say reports, but half of the popular tourist destination of Montego Bay, in the north, has been cut off from the other half of the city by the floodwater.
Both Kingston and Montego Bay airports remain closed. Authorities say they hope to re-open Kingston airport tomorrow (Thursday), but only for emergency relief flights.
Videos circulating on social media show collapsed ceilings in Montego Bay’s Sangster International Airport, which has also been flooded.
Montego Bay Mayor Richard Vernon told the BBC that the first thing they must do this morning is ‘check if everybody is alive’.
Travel Gossip has approached British Airways and Virgin Atlantic for updates on their flights to Jamaica.
Today’s British Airways’ flight from London Gatwick to Kingston has been cancelled. It is also due to fly on Friday. Virgin Atlantic has a flight scheduled on Thursday, and another on Saturday.
TUI has cancelled all scheduled seats to Jamaica up to and including 31 October, and all package holidays up to 2 November. It is understood to be planning to operate rescue flights earlier, if possible, to bring customers in Jamaica home.
A TUI spokesperson said: “We’re working hard to assess the full impact of Hurricane Melissa in Jamacia and the extent of damage to local infrastructure including resorts, roads and airports.
“We want to reassure our customers that their safety and wellbeing remains our absolute top priority. We understand this is an unsettling time and ask that customers currently in Jamaica continue to follow the advice of local authorities and their resort teams. ”
Visit Jamaica said it will provide updates for travellers on its website, but it has not provided any fresh information since 25 October.
Jamaica’s Tourism Minister and Director and the tourist board delegation from Jamaica have cancelled plans to attend next week’s World Travel Market in London. However, there will be a presence from the London-based Jamaica Tourist Board.
*Story was updated at 12.30pm to include an update from TUI
