Hurricane Beryl is forecast to bring a “life-threatening storm surge and damaging waves” to Jamaica and the Cayman Islands on Wednesday (July 3).
An update to the UK Foreign Office advice said: “International and domestic airports are closed from 2200 local on Tuesday 2 July, and will only reopen when assessed safe to do so.
“You should follow and monitor local and international weather updates from the US National Hurricane Centre and follow the advice of local authorities including any evacuation orders.”
The US National Hurricane Centre reported: “Devastating hurricane-force winds, life-threatening storm surge and damaging waves are expected in portions of Jamaica and the Cayman Islands on Wednesday.
“Beryl is forecast to remain a hurricane when it approaches the Yucatan Peninsula and Belize late Thursday, where hurricane and tropical storm watches have been issued.”
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The hurricane devastated parts of Grenada and St Vincent and the Grenadines when it hit the region on Monday.
Three people were reported killed in Grenada and Carriacou and another in St Vincent and the Grenadines, reported Sky News.
The BBC reported that “virtually every building” on Union Island, in St Vincent and the Grenadines, has been razed or badly damaged.
St Vincent and the Grenadines’ prime minister Ralph Gonsalves said Hurricane Beryl has left “immense destruction” and “pain and suffering across our nation”.
Kenneth Bryan, chairman of the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), and minister of tourism and ports of the Cayman Islands, said: “Even as we protect life and property here in the western Caribbean, we stand in solidarity with the people of St Vincent and the islands of the Grenadines who have been severely impacted by Hurricane Beryl.
“Their pain is our pain, and their struggles are felt across our entire region.”
He added: “Climate change poses a significant threat to our region, and we must be proactive in our response.
“We contribute the least to and suffer the most from the changing climate, so we need the global community to help provide resources for improved building standards, better communication systems, and more resilient infrastructure to mitigate future hurricane impacts.”
The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) said it is extending its sympathy and support to those affected by the devastating impact of Hurricane Beryl, particularly in islands such as Carriacou and Petite Martinique in Grenada, as well as Mayreau, Canouan, Union Island and others in St Vincent and the Grenadines.
CHTA president Nicola Madden-Greig said: “We will be working in collaboration with our national hotel and tourism associations in Grenada and St Vincent to provide necessary support and aid to the local communities impacted by Hurricane Beryl.”
Noting that authorities have issued full clearance for Grenada to receive visitors, she reminded travellers that the vast majority of destinations across the region remain open for business and are still welcoming visitors.
She also encouraged those travelling to affected areas to support hurricane relief drives.
“Travelling to the Caribbean not only helps our tourism industry but also contributes to the recovery of the affected areas. We may be knocked down in some areas, but we are resilient people, and we will be back before long,” she concluded.