I am writing to update the House on the impact of Hurricane Melissa in the Caribbean and the action the Government are taking in response.
Hurricane Melissa has caused severe flooding, landslides and infrastructure damage across Jamaica, Haiti and Cuba, and also impacted parts of Dominican Republic and the Bahamas. The UK overseas territories of the Cayman Islands, Turks and Caicos Islands and Bermuda reported low to minimal damage. Over 5.5 million people have been affected across the region. At least 65 deaths have been reported—actual numbers may well be higher.
Hurricane Melissa is the strongest ever storm to make landfall in Jamaica, where it hit the southwestern part of the country on 28 October as a category 5 hurricane.
At least 32 deaths are now reported, and the number may yet rise. Some 25,000 people have been displaced. All western parishes have suffered significant damage, and over half the country remains without power, internet or mobile connectivity, with many roads blocked and water systems affected. All British high commission staff and dependants on platform remain safe and accounted for, and I pay tribute to the dedicated work they have done in recent days in the most difficult circumstances. In Haiti, assessments and relief efforts continue to be frustrated by damaged or impassable roads and bridges. Priority needs include shelter materials, food, water and hygiene supplies, medical support, and fuel. In Cuba, infrastructure and services are likely to be impacted for some time, including the national power grid, which is already under severe pressure.
The Foreign Secretary has kept in close contact with the Jamaican Foreign Minister throughout this crisis to offer UK support and solidarity. The Foreign Secretary, Minister Doughty and I have also kept in close touch with the Governments of Haiti, Dominican Republic, Cuba, the Bahamas, Cayman Islands, Turks and Caicos Islands, and Bermuda.
Our efforts have involved close co-ordination between the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and colleagues in the Ministry of Defence, Home Office, Met Office and Department for Transport.
On 26 October, a UK military team pre-deployed to the Turks and Caicos Islands to support disaster management preparations and response. After Melissa passed, HMS Trent also deployed to the Turks and Caicos Islands to provide additional support and assist with local recovery efforts. As always, the UK stands ready to assist the UK overseas territories as required.
Given the UK’s strong links with Jamaica, many thousands of British nationals and UK residents were there during the storm.
Our consular operation organised an evacuation flight that arrived in the UK on Sunday 2 November with just over 100 passengers. These British nationals and their close family had been unable to make arrangements to leave Jamaica through commercial means. We estimate that around 1,600 British nationals have returned to the UK through commercial airlines and tour operators. Our consular services have been available on a round-the-clock basis and have answered over 700 phone or email inquiries to date. We are updating travel advice regularly to reflect the situation as it evolves. We created a portal—Register Your Presence—where British nationals in Jamaica have been able to provide their details and receive the latest updates. We will continue to provide consular support to British nationals still in-country and direct those wanting to get home to the available commercial flights.