Critical government agencies are fully activated to respond to emergencies during Hurricane Melissa. “Already, we are seeing where persons have been reaching out, seeking assistance, and we have been responding as we get the calls, ” said Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon Desmond McKenzie. The Ministry of Labour and Social Security [MLSS]… is already working closely along...

The Jamaica Public Service (JPS) reports there are no major incidents on the electricity grid, even as the system is beginning to experience the effects of heightened wind and rainfall. Energy, Telecommunications and Transport Minister, Hon Daryl Vaz, made the disclosure during Monday’s (October 7) press briefing at the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) at the Office of Disaster Preparedness...

The public is strongly advised to avoid contact with infrastructure that may be compromised, particularly in areas affected by floodwaters associated with Hurricane Melissa. This urging comes from Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Infrastructure Development with Responsibility for Works, Hon. Robert Morgan. “If the bridge looks shaky, do not attempt to go on the bridge...

Jamaica has been receiving pledges of support for hurricane preparation and recovery from its regional and international partners, says Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness. “We have received calls of support from our partners – the United Nations, United States, the British, the French, the European Union, the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA). “All the CARICOM countries...

Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, is reminding Jamaicans that emergency shelters are free of cost and available for all who need safe accommodation during the passage of Hurricane Melissa. “False and malicious information are being circulated about the use of shelters. Someone sent me a message saying that there is a fee being charged for...

Residents in Bluefields and surrounding areas in Westmoreland are being warned to anticipate life-threatening storm surges with the passage of Hurricane Melissa. Storm surges will involve the rising of the sea as a result of wind and atmospheric pressure changes, associated with Hurricane Melissa, which is expected to impact the island shortly. Principal Director of the Meteorological Services Branch in...

The Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) has initiated a call-out of the Jamaica National Reserve (JNR) in response to the threat posed by Hurricane Melissa, which is expected to impact Jamaica over the next 48 hours. The move forms part of the JDF’s wider operational response plan to support the national disaster preparedness and humanitarian assistance efforts in the aftermath of...