Around 8,000 British citizens are understood to be holidaying in Jamaica.

In a statement the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) said it was “preparing flights to bolster commercial capacity and transport British nationals out of Jamaica”, and would be launching “a flight registration form for British nationals to register their details and interest in flights”.

It added that it was “in close contact with travel companies”.

It comes as Tui announced it has cancelled all package holidays to Jamaica until 9 November.

In a statement it said: “We’re continuing to assess the full impact of Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica and the extent of the damage to local infrastructure including resorts, roads and airports.  

“Our teams on the ground are working hard to support customers and ensure they have access to food, water and essential items.”

Tui added that it was working to repatriate clients in Jamaica “as soon as the airport reopens and it is safe to transport customers”

“We’ll be in direct contact with impacted customers as soon as we have more details including revised departure and coach pick-up times,” it said.  

Video footage shows extensive damage at Montego Bay airport, with part of the roof torn off and water damage throughout the departure area. Montego Bay receives the bulk of leisure flights, but Kingston airport, the island’s only other international airport, has reopened, and is now receiving passenger flights. The travel industry has been urged to support in the clear-up, with one agent setting up a dedicated fundraising page, raising more than £1,000 in 24 hours.

Meanwhile Sandals Resorts has confirmed all its guests and staff are safe.

The all-inclusive specialist said it was undertaking an assessment of resorts in Jamaica following the devastation caused by the Category 5 hurricane. It has six Sandals-branded and one Beaches Resorts property which are mainly concentrated in the most affected areas.

Sandals said many guests had helped prepare for the emergency, adding: “Your cooperation, compassion, and sense of community lifted spirits and brought comfort during a challenging time”.

The operator also praised agents and trade partners who had sent messages of support, and said its operation teams were now reviewing travel arrangements for those due to depart in the next fortnight and offering “flexible options”.

“Travel agents with clients who have bookings to Jamaica made through Unique Caribbean Holidays Ltd, the UK in-house tour operator for Sandals and Beaches Resorts, that are due to depart in the next two weeks, can email flightops@sandals.co.uk”

'We will get a clear picture in the coming days'

The worst of the emergency looked to be over on Thursday morning. Melissa, now downgraded to category 2, has passed through the southeast Bahamas, where hurricane warnings were in place for the central and southeast islands including Exuma and its Cays.

A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the Turks and Caicos Islands which lie to the southeast.

The Bahamas Department of Meteorology said it was expecting a storm surge of five to eight feet above normally dry ground, with two to four feet in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Meanwhile Cuba is still taking stock after the hurricane hit the south east of the country.

Simply Cuba’s trade sales manager Alan Meadows said: “We have made contact with our reps in eastern Cuba to check on their situation, but I have not pushed for an immediate report as to damage etc.

“With all our clients currently being in Cuba in Havana and Varadero, I have given them space to call relatives and check in with loved ones. We will get a clearer picture from the team in a couple of days.”