The Ministry of Labour and Social Security has established a dedicated WhatsApp line, 876-447-0444, for persons with disabilities to communicate their needs as Jamaica braces for the impact of Tropical Storm Melissa. Portfolio Minister, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr., made the disclosure during Friday’s (October 24) special press briefing at the Office of the Prime Minister. He advised that through the...

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...

Minister of Water, Environment and Climate Change, Hon. Matthew Samuda, is advising the public to pay keen attention to reliable sources to avoid misinformation about the impending tropical storm. “We have already seen projections and forecasts going around that do not reflect the Meteorological Service of Jamaica ‘s (Met Service’s) forecast, so we ask that you pay attention to [the...

Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, is urging Jamaicans to take the impending weather threat seriously. Jamaica is under a tropical storm warning and a hurricane watch as Tropical Storm Melissa moves slowly across the Caribbean Sea. “You have nothing to lose even if it doesn't come. If it doesn't come and you're prepared, fine, you have lost...

Residents of Portland, who will be going into shelters, are being urged to take along food and supplies that can last up to 72 hours. Parish Manager for the Portland office of the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, Maxwell Hamilton, made the call while addressing a meeting of the Parish Disaster Committee at the Portland Municipal Corporation on Thursday...

The National Works Agency (NWA) has intensified drain cleaning and other mitigation activities across western parishes as part of its preparation for the expected passage of Tropical Storm Melissa. Community Relations Officer for the NWA’s Western Office, Janel Ricketts, told JIS News that the agency began work earlier this week, focusing on flood-prone areas in Hanover, St. James, Westmoreland and...

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...