The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) is reporting that approximately 970 persons relocated to emergency shelters across Jamaica, consequent on Hurricane Beryl’s passage on Wednesday (July 3). The agency advises that, as of Thursday (July 4), 162 shelters remain open, while 38 have been closed. This was disclosed by Acting Director General, ODPEM, Richard Thompson, during an...

As Jamaica begins its recovery from the effects of Hurricane Beryl, the Ministry of Health & Wellness is advising the public to observe the following health tips: • Do not go outside until absolutely necessary. • Wear water boots or closed shoes. • Wear gloves when clearing debris or disposing of dirty water. • If you get a puncture wound,...

The police are advising motorists to be careful when approaching signalised roadways damaged by the passing of Hurricane Beryl. The powerful category four hurricane’s eye passed just 45 miles south of Kingston, leaving many Jamaicans without electricity. The outages have also affected several traffic signals. Head of the Public Safety and Traffic Enforcement Branch (PSTEB), Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP)...

The Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA) says that all the children and staff at its 50 government and private residential child care facilities and places of safety, are safe and secured, following the passing of hurricane Beryl on Wednesday. “Our Management Team as well as members from our Disaster Management Committee met at our Emergency Operations Centre, where...

The National Fisheries Authority (NFA) is encouraging fishers to take the necessary precautions, as they assess damage to their equipment following the passage of Hurricane Beryl. Executive Director, Dr. Gavin Bellamy, says Alligator Pond was badly affected along with fishing beaches in St Elizabeth. Dr. Bellamy told JIS News that he is awaiting a full report on the damage from...

The Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) is conducting preliminary assessments of damage sustained by the agriculture sector during the passage of Hurricane Beryl. Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, Hon. Floyd Green, told JIS News that the assessments will aid in determining the level of assistance the Government will provide to farmers who have been impacted. He said the sector,...

The National Water Commission (NWC) has mobilised teams across Jamaica to assess its supply facilities currently out of operation, consequent on the passage of Hurricane Beryl. Acting Corporate Public Relations Manager, Delano Williams, told JIS News that a combination of factors caused by the hurricane resulted in some 70 per cent of customers being without water. These include the flooding...