Jamaica is a popular spot known for its unforgettable beaches, incredible natural beauty, delicious local cuisine and rum. However, Britons have been given a brand new travel warning for the idyllic Caribbean paradise.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) provided some essential information on the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl, which passed Jamaica just weeks ago on July 3, 2024.
The FCDO warned holidaymakers: “In its aftermath, power, communications and water supplies have been disrupted.
“The Ministry of Health and Wellness has warned of the risks of water contamination and water-borne and mosquito-borne diseases after the heavy rainfall.
Hurricane Beryl has left a trail of devastation in Jamaica
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“While most larger hotels with generator power have remained open and fully functional, some parts of Jamaica still have no or intermittent access to power, water and mobile phone connectivity.
“This may remain the case for some rural areas for some time. Check the situation with your accommodation provider before you travel.
“Keep up to date with FCDO travel advice and social media. You can sign up for our email alert service to be notified of any updates to our travel advice.
“You should also follow and monitor local and international weather updates from the US National Hurricane Center and follow the advice of local authorities and your tour operator, including any evacuation orders.”
Britons going abroad should consult the FCDO’s guidance on extreme weather and natural disasters, including what holidaymakers can do to prepare and what to do if they receive warning of an event.
The Ministry of Health and Wellness, Jamaica, is reported to be spending an additional $1.7 billion (around £1.3 billion) on activities to bring health facilities back to full operation following the recent passage of Hurricane Beryl.
A press conference was held, giving updates on the health system in the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl and the latest updates on Dengue in Jamaica.
As part of a series of tweets, the Ministry said: “The Ministry has developed a Recovery Plan that is to bring operations in all health facilities back to normal capacity within the shortest period, address all remediation that may affect service delivery and make more health facilities climate-resilient by applying the WHO/PAHO SMART facility standards.”
An important warning was issued regarding mosquitos: “There are some 74 species of mosquitoes in Jamaica. With the recent passage of Hurricane Beryl and the reality of the rainy season, there will be a significant and sustained increase in the local mosquito population – both the vector and nuisance populations.
“Before the passage of the hurricane, the Breteau Index (BI), which measures the number of positive containers per 100 houses, was very low, at a figure of approximately 18.6. In the wake of the hurricane, all containers treated have washed out and refilled thus significantly.”
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Jamaica is home to incredible beaches
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The Ministry called for public support: “Given the current levels of mosquito infestation, the Ministry is recommending that citizens take the necessary actions to protect themselves from mosquito bites.”
Residents have been asked to carry out several tasks: “Search and destroy breeding sites around the home. At least once per week, citizens are being asked to search their environment for any containers that may have collected water and to destroy them.
“Use Repellant containing deet. Use repellant when outdoors during peak mosquito flight time. This must be reapplied as indicated on the label.
“Use Commercial Aerosol. Mosquitoes are insects and the commercially available product can be effective in killing them.”
Britons planning a visit to Jamaica can find the Ministry of Health and Wellness on X for all the updates on the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl.
Holidaymakers can consult the Ministry of Health and Wellness for information on Dengue Fever prevention, symptoms and what to do if you think you might be infected.
Britons were also issued an Asia travel warning as a wrong move could land Britons in “harsh” detention centres.
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