Vulnerable persons, including those living in low-lying and flood prone areas, are being urged to move to emergency shelters now before the full effect of Hurricane Beryl begins to impact the island. Speaking to JIS News this morning (July 3), Acting Director General of the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), Richard Thompson, said persons must not wait...

The National Works Agency (NWA) has opened its Emergency Operations Centre as part of its response to the likely impact of Hurricane Beryl on the island’s road network. Manager, Communication and Customer Services at the NWA, Stephen Shaw says that the Centre was operationalized at 7:00 a.m. today and will be manned on a 24-hour basis. Persons are being advised...

The Ministry of Health & Wellness wishes to advise the public that all health centres have been closed for today (Wednesday, July 3, 2024). • Staff of these facilities are to check with their parish Emergency Operations Centres (EOCs) to find out whether they are to be deployed elsewhere. • Persons with chronic diseases and those requiring immunizations, antenatal care...

The security forces will be fully mobilised to maintain public order and assist with disaster relief as soon as Hurricane Beryl passes Jamaica. Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, made the announcement during a national broadcast on Tuesday (July 2). He said the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) and Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) have developed strategic plans to counter any...

Motorists will have free access to the East-West and North-South toll highways from 6:00 p.m. to midnight on Tuesday (July 2). Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, made the disclosure in a National Broadcast on Hurricane Beryl on Tuesday. “This is to ensure that all Jamaicans who are currently on the road are able to get home safely and...

The Government has provided $5 million per constituency for emergency hurricane preparations and response efforts. Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, made the disclosure during a statement to the nation on Tuesday (July 2) on Hurricane Beryl. He said a meeting with the Parliamentary Caucus was convened to discuss the state of readiness and to apprise the members of...

The National Council for Senior Citizens (NCSC) is underscoring the importance of proactive measures to ensure the safety and well-being of older persons, as Jamaica prepares for Hurricane Beryl. Executive Director, Cassandra Morrison, told JIS News that “with a commitment to safeguarding our senior population during potentially hazardous weather events, the NCSC urges families, caregivers, and communities to prioritise the...