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Some $10 million will be needed by the Jamaica Red Cross (JRC) to finance relief assistance for flood victims, and other persons affected by rains associated with the tropical depression affecting Jamaica over the past three days. The organization has been working closely with the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), the Ministry of Health and other agencies,...

The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) is reporting that the gauge at PEDRO RIVER is currently at 19 feet and rising (Maximum level 22 feet). The community is currently flooded and as such the ODPEM and the Parish Council with the support of the JDF is in the process of deploying boats to evacuate some 60 persons....

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Works Agency (NWA), Patrick Wong, says the Palisadoes Road Shoreline Project is not simply a road rehabilitation exercise, but a comprehensive programme for protecting Kingston Harbour. Mr. Wong was speaking at a press conference called to discuss the project, at the Ministry of Transport and Works in Kingston, Friday (October 1). The NWA...

St. Ann Parish Disaster Coordinator, Alvin Clarke, has assured Pedro River, Cave Valley and Douglas Castle residents, that the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) and the Parish Disaster Committee are aware of the damage in their communities. He said that ODPEM is putting the necessary response activities in place to assist them, after heavy rains from Tropical...

Several schools in Portmore have been designated as priority shelters by the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), in an effort to ensure the protection and safety of children. The shelters are Naggo Head Primary School, Gregory Park Primary School, Kensington Primary School, the Portmore Heart Academy, South Bourough Primary School and Portsmouth Primary School Portmore's Disaster Coordinator,...

CARICOM's Special Representative on Haiti's Reconstruction, former Jamaica Prime Minister, the Most Hon P. J. Patterson, will be the guest lecturer at the 12th Annual Eric Williams Memorial Collection Lecture Series, Friday (October 15) at Florida International University (FIU), Miami. The lecture series is titled "The Renaissance of Haiti: A Template for Caribbean Integration". Mr. Patterson will speak on Haiti's...

As the island continues to experience periodic outbreak of showers, the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) is advising the public to exercise caution to avoid the risk of lightning strikes associated with the thunderstorms that have accompanied Tropical Storm Nicole. Lightning Safety tips:Stay indoors, and do not venture outside, unless it is absolutely necessary.Turn off electric breakers...

The Ministry of Health is requesting that all pregnant women in inaccessible areas and who are within two weeks of their delivery date contact the MOH National Emergency Operations Centre immediately. This is in order to ensure that these pregnant women are able to access health care and deliver safely. Persons may call 504-0187 or 504-0134 or email mohneocja@yahoo.com

Kingston Wharves Limited wishes to advise its customers and the public that its administrative offices have resumed normal, full service operations. Kingston Wharves Limited apologises for any inconvenience caused by the disruption of services yesterday due to the flooding of the access roads. They thank customers for their kind understanding and look forward to being of continued service. The preceding...

The worsening weather conditions have slowed the Jamaica Public Service Company's restoration efforts, as its technical crews are finding it difficult to work in the heavy winds and rain now affecting the island. JPS estimates that approximately 30% or 170,000 of its customers across the island are currently without power, as a result of the impact of the weather on...

Prime Minister, the Hon. Bruce Golding says it is too soon to determine the cost of the damage to the island's infrastructure caused by the severe rains, and its impact on the budget. However, he said that whatever adjustments are needed, would have to be explored, as necessary. Prime Minister, the Hon. Bruce Golding (centre) addresses a press conference, which...

The Meteorological Service has extended the Flash Flood Warning for low-lying and flood prone areas of all parishes until 5:00 p.m. today September 30. A FLASH FLOOD WARNING means flooding has been reported or will occur shortly. Motorists and pedestrians should not attempt to cross flooded roadways or other low-lying areas as strong currents are likely. Residents in low-lying areas...