'I'm a travel expert - this is what you should do as Hurricane Melissa hits Caribbean'

A travel expert has issued a key piece of advice to Brits planning a trip to Jamaica as Hurricane Melissa tears through the country, causing widespread destruction. Tourists face being trapped in Jamaica due to a devastating Category five hurricane, which has left 77% of the country without electricity. The western side of the island has faced the brunt of the damage and an estimated 70 out of 700 Jamaican water systems are down.

As the government hopes to reopen Kingston's international airport for aid flights tomorrow, Sarah Rodrigues, a travel expert working with Avanti travel insurance, has issued key advice to those who have planned a trip to the country. “If you’re due to travel and find your trip will be affected by a natural disaster there are steps you can take to try to change your plans or to get a refund,” she said. Ms Rodrigues is urging travellers to firstly contact their holiday providers to see what support they can provide.

The expert said: “If your holiday provider can’t help you reschedule or refund your costs, you should contact your bank. You may be able to recoup your costs through a ‘chargeback claim’ if you paid using a credit card.

“If you’ve tried both options without any luck, then you may be able to claim through your holiday insurance. It’s important to check your policy documents before cancelling a trip or if you decide not to travel, so check out the ‘Travel Delay’ section in your policy wording to find out if a natural disaster is covered.”

For those already on holiday and your return journey to the UK is delayed or cancelled due to the impact of the hurricane, Ms Rodrigues said your travel insurance policy should automatically extend to cover the extra time you need to get home. However, she advised to always check with your insurance provider.

“You will also need to speak with your holiday provider if your accommodation is affected, as they may be able to find you an alternative place to stay or, if necessary, to bring you home early,” the expert added.

Additionally, Ms Rodrigues warned that traveling against any Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) advice may invalidate your cover.

The FCDO has set up an emergency crisis centre to help British nationals in trouble. Navy ship HMS Trent is on standby in the region, and active discussions are already under way about sending humanitarian aid if needed.

Those in the area worried about finding shelter were directed to the country's official shelter list at odpem.org.jm/shelters.

British nationals requiring urgent consular assistance were also directed to call +1 (876) 936 0700 (option 2) for additional help.