Minister of Local Government and Community Development Hon. Desmond McKenzie is reiterating that Shelters across the island are safe spaces for people who live in communities vulnerable to severe weather events such as Hurricane Melissa, and is urging them to go to the network of Shelters to see out the impending Hurricane. “I am aware of reports in the media...

Members of the public are being advised to avoid the Amity Hall and Hordley Crossing areas in St. Thomas in the event of heavy rainfall associated with the slow approach of Tropical Storm Melissa. Parish Disaster Coordinator, Martina Medley-Goode, told JIS News that the areas are highly susceptible to flooding. “Persons oftentimes get trapped and we have to be coordinating...

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security has launched a mobile application to strengthen assessment and response efforts for individuals impacted by severe weather events, ahead of Tropical Storm Melissa’s projected impact. The software, ‘KoboCollect’, includes geo-mapping capabilities, allowing responders to log the precise location of a victim’s residence, and does not require an active internet connection to function while...

Authorities in St. James have initiated the evacuation of approximately 200 homeless individuals from Montego Bay and surrounding communities to emergency shelters, in anticipation of Tropical Storm Melissa’s projected impact on Jamaica this weekend. The evacuation plans were finalised following an Emergency Operations Centre meeting, held at the St. James Municipal Corporation on Thursday (October 23). Inspector of Poor for...

The approximately 76 shelters in the parish of Portland are in a state of readiness as the parish braces for Tropical Storm Melissa, which is slowly approaching the island. “We have prepositioned bedding and other items in communities. We have items in store, and we know that we will continue to be supported by the Office of Disaster Preparedness and...

Mayor of Falmouth, Trelawny, Councillor Colin Gager, says that it is “all systems go” across the parish, as government agencies coordinate preparations for Tropical Storm Melissa. “The message to residents is clear: prepare as best as possible and stay informed through official channels,” Mayor Gager told JIS News in an interview. Mayor Gager outlined the collaborative effort spanning local authorities...

Mayor of Savanna-la-Mar, Councillor Danree Delancy, says Westmoreland is in a state-of-readiness as Tropical Storm Melissa approaches the island. Speaking with JIS News, he said that the municipal corporation, through its Disaster Preparedness Department, has been coordinating with key agencies and shelter managers to ensure that the necessary systems are in place. He informed that part of the Parochial Revenue...