'Allowed to fly' Britons stuck on island say travel warnings were not issued

British nationals who travelled to Jamaica have expressed concerns that no travel warnings were issued by the UK government, travel agents or airlines ahead of Hurricane Melissa hitting the Caribbean island.

- Geneva Abdul Jane Clinton

The slow-moving Category 5 hurricane made landfall yesterday, killing three people during storm preparations and bringing winds of 180mph (290kph). The hurricane brought widespread devastation to the island, where authorities have ordered evacuations.

Yesterday, the UK government advised those on the island to register their presence for updates and said a specialist team was being deployed.

"Many people will be thinking about family and friends in Jamaica in the face of this very serious storm," said the foreign secretary, Yvette Cooper. "We offer the UK's full support and stand ready to mobilise resources to support British nationals and Jamaica, at its request."

British citizens who travelled to Jamaica have expressed concerns that no travel warnings were issued.