Hurricane Ivan continues to cut a swathe of destruction across the Caribbean, with most forecasters predicting that it will have hit Jamaica, Cuba and parts of Florida by Monday.
In Jamaica, 500,000 people have been evacuated from coastal areas, with hospitals on alert and schools, shops and airports all closed down. The hurricane is expected to be “in full force” in Jamaica by 14.00 today local time, the BBC News website reports.
Holiday companies have reportedly been rushing to evacuate tourists from the island; Virgin has reportedly chartered a jet to move 500 guests off Jamaica, with First Choice and Thomson carrying out similar plans to move a further 600 tourists.
In Florida, thousands of people have been told to evacuate the Keys region amid fears the state will be battered by the third hurricane in just a few weeks.
The VisitFlorida organisation issued the following statement: “As of this morning, the Florida Keys have begun evacuation plans for visitors. We are watching Ivan very closely and intend to communicate the facts as quickly as we learn them.
“Due to Ivan’s approach, we are advising all potential Florida visitors to watch the news and make their travel decisions based on facts.”
Royal Caribbean International reports that it is largely unaffected by the rapidly-approaching storm, though it has stated that sailings are “subject to change”.
Report by Tim Gillett, News From Abroad Ltd
