British holidaymakers in the Caribbean warned as international airports close due to 'Armageddon-like' storm

Carriacou is facing severe destruction

GETTY
Solen Le Net

By Solen Le Net


Published: 04/07/2024

- 10:35

Updated: 04/07/2024

- 12:41

Travel restrictions have been introduced amid a risk of life-threatening flooding

Britons visiting the Caribbean have been issued a travel warning as the region deals with "widespread destruction" following a hurricane.

Hurricane Beryl has left a trail of destruction across the idyllic island of Carriacou with tourists advised to avoid the region.


Thousands have been left stranded or in need of temporary housing after the Grade 5 storm swept across St Vincent, The Grenadines, Granada and St Lucia.

The Prime Minister of Saint Vincent described the damage to the Union Island as a “devastating spectacle”.

Carriacou

The region is reportedly dealing with widespread destruction

GETTY

Grenada’s Prime Minister, Dickon Mitchell, added that the destruction on the Carribean island of Carriacou was “almost Armageddon-like”.

“Having seen it myself, there is really nothing that could prepare you to see this level of destruction.

“It is almost Armageddon-like. Almost total damage or destruction of all buildings, whether they be public buildings, homes or private facilities.

“Complete devastations and destructions of agriculture, complete and total destruction of the natural environment.”

“There is literally no vegetation left anywhere on the island of Carriacou.”

Amoy Wellington, a 51-year-old who lives in Top Hill, in Jamaica’s southern St Elizabeth parish, said: “It’s terrible. Everything’s gone, I’m in my house and scared. It’s a disaster.”

The National Hurricane Center said: “Life-threatening flash flooding and mudslides from heavy rainfall are expected over much of Jamaica and southern Haiti through today.”

It also warned that dangerous winds and a storm surge are expected in the Cayman Islands through early Thursday.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) added: “A major hurricane is passing Jamaica on July 3. Disruption to services is expected island-wide.

“International and domestic airports are now closed and will only reopen when assessed safe to do so.

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS

Plane in sky

International and domestic flights on the island have been cancelled

GETTY

“You should follow and monitor local and international weather updates from the US National Hurricane Hurricane Center and follow the advice of local authorities including any evacuation orders.”

This comes as the UK Government has updated its travel advice for Britons thinking of visiting Thailand.

The FCDO shared in an "updated assessment" that terrorists are likely to try and carry out attacks in Thailand".

Authorities told holidaymakers: "There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets."

You may like