British tourists in both the Cayman Islands and Mexico are bracing themselves for Hurricane Dean, which has already devastated parts of the Caribbean. Forecasters predict the storm could reach the highest category, five, by the time it hits Mexico later. The Foreign Office is now advising against all non-essential travel to coastal areas of Belize, whilst those already there are being told to move inland.
The Foreign Office has issued the following travel advice:
Cayman Islands: All travel advised against
Jamaica: All travel advised against
Mexico: All but essential travel to the Yucatan peninsula advised against
Belize: All but essential travel to the coastal area advised against
It is estimated that there are about 5,500 UK holidaymakers in Cancun, a popular Mexican coastal resort. Airports in the area have witnessed a busy couple of days and now airlines are now flying in empty planes to help more people fly home. It is hopeful that everyone who wants to leave will be able to do so by Monday when Cancun airport is expected to be closed down by late afternoon, and will not reopen until the storm has passed.
Meanwhile, all airports in Jamaica remain closed and electricity supplies turned off after the storm hit on Sunday. The south coast of the island was battered overnight by winds of up to 230km/h (145mph) and a month-long state of emergency has now been declared. There have been no reports of casualties in Jamaica; however, Hurricane Dean wreaked havoc in the eastern Caribbean, claiming at least six lives.
British Airways has claimed that any UK customers due to travel to the Cayman Islands are being given the opportunity to either re-book or take their holidays in the Bahamas instead.
The Foreign Office is advising British people against all travel to Jamaica until further notice and the British High Commission in Jamaica has set up a 24-hour phone line for UK nationals seeking advice:
ADVICE LINE FOR UK NATIONALS
(00 1 876) 510 0700
