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...

The National Works Agency (NWA) has undertaken flood mitigation works on several critical drains across the island in preparation for Hurricane Melissa’s projected landfall and will continue these efforts as long as conditions remain safe. This was disclosed by Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Infrastructure Development with Responsibility for Works, Hon. Robert Morgan. He was...

Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Infrastructure Development with Responsibility for Works, Hon. Robert Morgan, is urging the public to exercise caution when venturing outdoors, citing risks of landslides and rockfalls as Hurricane Melissa continues to impact Jamaica. He made the appeal during an update on developments related to the hurricane from the National Emergency Operations...

Residents of St. James, Trelawny and Hanover are being urged to prepare for the impact of Hurricane Melissa. Principal Director, Meteorological Services Branch in the Ministry of Water, Environment and Climate Change, Evan Thompson, said that based on the projected path of Hurricane Melissa they will be affected by the system. “There are places on the northern side that don't...

Approximately 30 people are being accommodated in eight shelters in St. James as the parish intensifies its readiness for the impact of Hurricane Melissa. Speaking with JIS News, Mayor of Montego Bay, Councillor Richard Vernon, said that the other shelters will open as needed. “Calls have been made for two more to be activated this morning. So, we’re going to...

The Westmoreland Health Department is monitoring emergency shelters across the parish to ensure that proper hygiene and disease-prevention measures are in place during Hurricane Melissa. “We have visited three shelters so far – Godfrey Stewart High, Unity Primary and Williamsfield Primary,” Health Promotion and Education Officer for Westmoreland, Gerald Miller, told JIS News. “[We] have focused on safety in terms...

Eleven shelters have opened in Westmoreland and are occupied, says Mayor of Savanna-la-Mar, Councillor Danree Delancy. He told JIS News in an interview that the parish continues preparedness and mitigation activities in response to the impending Hurricane Melissa. “Persons have begun taking refuge in designated facilities across the parish, including areas in eastern Westmoreland, such as Petersville,” the Mayor noted....