The Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) emergency response operations are in full effect with teams on standby for evacuation at Rockfort, Spanish Town, Portmore and all rural school bus regions. Addressing Monday’s (October 27 ) special press briefing to update the nation on preparations for Hurricane Melissa, at the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) at the Office of Disaster Preparedness...

Minister with responsibility for Works, Hon. Robert Nesta Morgan, is appealing to all Jamaicans to exercise caution during and after the passage of Hurricane Melissa, particularly in areas affected by heavy rainfall and flooding. Minister Morgan is urging members of the public not to attempt to cross flooded roads, gullies, or bridges under any circumstances. He warned that strong or...

Residents of Westmoreland and St. Elizabeth are being warned to brace for catastrophic impact from Hurricane Melissa. Currently, the system is expected to make landfall between East Westmoreland and Western St. Elizabeth later today or early tomorrow (October 28). Principal Director, Meteorological Services Branch in the Ministry of Water, Environment and Climate Change, Evan Thompson, said though Westmoreland is not...

Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, is urging residents in flood-prone and high-risk communities to utilise the island’s emergency shelters as Hurricane Melissa continues to affect Jamaica. He made the appeal while providing an update from the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) during a media briefing at the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM)...

Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, has informed that the security forces are properly mobilised and deployed to maintain law and order during and after the passage of Hurricane Melissa. “I am sufficiently satisfied that the security forces are properly deployed in such a way as to prevent any break in law and order. Whenever there is any...

The Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) is urging farmers across Jamaica to complete their final rounds of preparation as Hurricane Melissa draws closer to the country. Director of Public Relations and Communication, Camille Beckford, told JIS News that RADA has been in constant communication with farmers, providing practical guidance to help them safeguard their crops and livestock. The entity has...

The Maritime Authority of Jamaica (MAJ) is urging all mariners to ensure that all the necessary preparations are in place as Hurricane Melissa approaches the island’s coastal waters. All vessel operators are strongly advised to avoid venturing out to sea under any circumstances and to ensure that their vessels and equipment are properly secured to prevent damage and loss. The...