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...

The National Water Commission (NWC) has enacted measures to ensure that water is supplied before, during and after the passage of Tropical Storm Melissa, says Acting President, Kevin Kerr. Stating that the NWC has “moved into a heightened state of readiness”, he said that the agency’s key priorities are to protect the safety of its employees, infrastructure and critical assets,...

Jamaica’s two main telecommunications providers – Flow and Digicel – have activated their emergency response centres as the country prepares for Tropical Storm Melissa. “Flow Jamaica has fully activated its crisis management system with support from local and regional teams. Power resilience has been strengthened with more than 61 per cent of mobile sites now having backed up power 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...

Manager of Weather Services at the Meteorological Service of Jamaica (Met Service), Rohan Brown, has advised that Tropical Storm Melissa is still evolving and could intensify into a major hurricane while positioned south of Jamaica this weekend. “We have gone from a tropical storm watch to a warning, because tropical storm conditions are likely within 36 hours within the Jamaica...

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security is ready to manage national welfare and relief efforts in response to the potential impact of Tropical Storm Melissa. On Wednesday (October 22), the Humanitarian Assistance Committee (HAC) was convened to finalise coordination among key partners and review parish readiness. Portfolio Minister, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr. who was speaking during a TikTok Live,...

Farmers across the island are being urged to look out for diseases that can affect their crops following tropical storm Melissa. Heavy rainfall creates ideal conditions for pests and pathogens to thrive, damaging crops and causing setbacks to the productivity of fields. Senior Plant Health and Food Safety Officer with the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA), Francine Webb, said the...