Hurricane Melissa

Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Jamaica as a Category 5 Hurricane on 28 October (local time), bringing heavy rain, violent wind and flooding across Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Cuba, the Bahamas, and the Turks and Caicos Islands. Transport and essential services including power, telecommunications, food, water, and medical and emergency services have been severely affected.  

Jamaica's two international airports have been re-opened to commercial flights though delays and cancellations are likely.  

If you are in Jamaica and you have been affected by the hurricane, you should monitor the local news and weather services, follow instructions of local authorities including evacuation orders, and contact your airline or travel agent for advice about disrupted travel. 

Advice for New Zealanders

If you are travelling in an affected area, follow the advice of local authorities and emergency services at all times, including any evacuation orders. You can monitor local news and weather services for the latest developments. 

If your travel has been disrupted by the hurricane, please contact your airline or travel agent for more information and advice. 

Please let your family and friends in New Zealand know that you are safe when you're able to. To receive the latest updates and information from the New Zealand Government, register your travel with us on SafeTravel.  

For further advice on what to do during severe weather, read our natural disasters page.

New Zealanders who require urgent consular assistance can contact the 24/7 consular emergency line on +64 99 20 20 20.