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British nationals in Jamaica have been urged by the Foreign Office to register their presence as Hurricane Melissa, the island’s strongest storm on record, approaches. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has set up a crisis centre for 24-hour consular assistance, and the Royal Navy ship HMS Trent is on standby in the region. Hurricane Melissa is forecast to hit Jamaica as a Category 5 storm, the most powerful for the island since record-keeping began 174 years ago. The storm is expected to cause catastrophic flash floods and landslides, with predictions of up to 700mm of rain, four-metre waves, and 135mph winds. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper has offered UK support and solidarity to Jamaica, advising British nationals to follow FCDO travel advice and instructions from the Jamaican government.
