20/08/2007

British Tourists Take Shelter From Hurricane Dean

Authorities in the Cayman Islands imposed a curfew and evacuated many British tourists as the British territory got ready for a brush on Monday with Hurricane Dean.

The hurricane has left a trail of destruction across the Caribbean killing at least eight people.

All of the airports have been closed, and some nearby hotels have been evacuated with winds of up to 230km/h, and forecasters said the islands could receive up to 12 inches of rain.

Many people slept on the airport floors and lined up at ticket counters for special flights home.

Cayman Islands Governor Stuart Jack said all but 1,500 tourists had been evacuated from the British territory by Sunday afternoon.

Two Royal Navy ships are on their way to the region to offer help.

The Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) said it was closely monitoring the hurricane's progress.

The government set up more that 1,000 shelters in converted schools, churches and the indoor national sports arena.

(CD/SP)

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