29 Oct 2025
Leader of Leeds City Council speaks on Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica
The Leader of Leeds City Council has spoken in support of all those affected by the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica, the strongest storm to hit the Caribbean in modern history.
The Leader of Leeds City Council, Councillor James Lewis, said: “Our hearts go out to the people of Jamaica and the Caribbean as we see the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa.
"I know that many people in Leeds have longstanding family and community ties to Jamaica, and this is an anxious time for many.
"Our residents who are affected and their loved ones in Jamaica are in our thoughts.
"I have been briefed by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office ministerial team, and the UK Government is monitoring developments closely.
"The British High Commission in Kingston is supporting British nationals on the island. Our government is preparing to deliver disaster response and humanitarian assistance to affected areas in coordination with the Jamaican government.”
The advice for people in Jamaica is:
Follow local emergency instructions and weather alerts
Stay indoors and avoid coastal or low-lying areas
Contact the British High Commission in Kingston if you need urgent help:
British nationals in Jamaica should register their presence with the FCDO:
For the latest official updates:
🔗 UK travel advice – gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/Jamaica
For media enquiries contact:
Leeds City Council Communications team
communicationsteam@leeds.gov.uk