National Emergency Operations Centre Activated

The National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) at the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) has been activated in response to Jamaica being placed on a Tropical Storm Warning by the National Meteorological Service.

This was disclosed by Minister of Education, Youth and Information, Senator the Hon. Ruel Reid, during a press briefing at the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) today (August 1).

“The NEOC was partially activated this morning and will be fully activated as at 6:00 p.m. The ODPEM, in its national response coordination role, will oversee and manage coordination efforts accordingly,” he outlined.

A strong Tropical Wave over the central Caribbean has moved within 443 kilometres (275 miles) east-southeast of Kingston, Jamaica.

Heavy showers and thunderstorms associated with the system remain organized and a possible deterioration in weather conditions could influence the formation of a tropical storm later today or tonight.

The Senator Reid said it was imperative that all citizens remain alert to take precautionary action, particularly if the system continues to develop.

“For now, we are urging persons to stay informed and take the necessary pre-cautions to safeguard life and property,” the Minister stated.

He further encouraged Jamaicans living in low-lying and flood-prone areas to map out likely evacuation routes early.

Meanwhile, Senator Reid said 24 hospitals have been making preparations for the onset of severe weather conditions, while noting that patients who can be discharged will be released later today.

He added that health centres have been instructed to secure their vaccines, while hospitals along coastal and in low lying areas are being advised to heighten preparations.

National Water Commission (NWC) trucks are also on standby in various locations, and staff are being mobilised to respond to any situation arising.

All major NWC plants have also equipped with generators to prevent any disruption in the provision of water, should the public electricity supply be affected.

Regarding to the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA), Senator Reid said garbage collection was carried out, particularly in low lying and flood prone areas.

Additionally, all regional bodies were notified to be on full alert, while vehicles and equipment have also been put on standby.

The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) has activated its hurricane emergency plan, while the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) will have protected mobility vehicles on standby.