Approximately 6,000 persons are currently in 382 shelters across the island, says Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie. He gave the update during a press briefing at the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) at the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management in Kingston on Tuesday (October 28). A total of 581 persons occupy 45 shelters...

Approximately 240,000 persons or 35 per cent of Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) customers are currently without electricity as the island begins to experience the worsening effects of hurricane Melissa. The most heavily impacted parishes are St. Elizabeth, Manchester, Hanover and St James, where an estimated 75 per cent of customers are without power. Energy, Telecommunications and Transport Minister, Hon....

Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in need of assistance are being urged to reach out to the Ministry of Labour and Social Security. Speaking during a TikTok Live last night, Portfolio Minister, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr., said there is a number available for use only by PWDs. “If you are alone, contact (876) 447-0444. This is a WhatsApp number dedicated to...

The Meteorological Service of Jamaica is reminding the public that the hurricane warning will not be lifted until the system moves away from the island and hurricane conditions are no longer affecting the country. Principal Director of the Meteorological Services Branch in the Ministry of Water, Environment and Climate Change, Evan Thompson, said after the hurricane warning is lifted a...

The nation’s public health system is prepared and ready for the effects of hurricane Melissa, says Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton. “There are adequate water supplies, adequate food, both for staff and patients, adequate medical supplies, and the logistics infrastructure [is in place] which involves coordination with other agencies like the Fire Brigade,” he said....

Minister of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Senator Dr. the Hon. Dana Morris Dixon, is urging Jamaicans to exercise discernment when consuming information at this time. “You have to be very discerning. You have to know what is good information from bad information. If you want to know where the storm is going, if you want to know what to...

Hurricane Melissa has begun shifting northwest and remains on track to make landfall in Jamaica early Tuesday morning (October 28) as a powerful Category Five cyclone. Principal Director of the Meteorological Services Branch in the Ministry of Water, Environment and Climate Change, Evan Thompson, said the hurricane is currently positioned just over 100 miles south of the island. “What we...