In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, a catastrophic Category 5 storm, the UK government has initiated emergency charter flights to evacuate British nationals from Jamaica. The hurricane, which struck the Caribbean island on Tuesday, has caused widespread devastation, including destroyed homes, severe flooding, and significant loss of life. At least five fatalities have been reported in Jamaica, with an additional 20 confirmed in Haiti. The Foreign Office estimates that up to 8,000 British citizens are currently on the island and has urged them to register for updates on evacuation efforts. The chartered flights are available to British nationals and their immediate families holding valid travel documents, with priority given to those unable to secure commercial flights. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper emphasized the UK’s commitment to ensuring the safe return of its citizens, citing the strong historical ties between the UK and Jamaica. Jamaica’s Transport Minister Daryl Vaz announced that some airports, including Norman Manley International in Kingston, will initially reopen solely for humanitarian relief flights, with limited commercial operations resuming later. The UK has also pledged £2.5 million in aid to support emergency relief efforts, including the provision of shelter kits, water filters, and blankets. Hurricane Melissa, with sustained winds of 295 km/h (185 mph), is one of the most powerful storms recorded this year, surpassing even Hurricane Katrina in intensity. The storm has left three-quarters of Jamaica without electricity and caused significant damage to infrastructure, prompting Prime Minister Andrew Holness to declare the island a disaster area. While Melissa has moved towards the Atlantic, the risk of flash flooding and landslides remains high, with additional rainfall expected in mountainous regions. The remnants of the storm are forecast to impact the UK next week, though they are expected to be less severe.