Minister Mckenzie Urges Residents in Flood-Prone Communities to Use Emergency Shelters

Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, is urging residents in flood-prone and high-risk communities to utilise the island’s emergency shelters as Hurricane Melissa continues to affect Jamaica.

He made the appeal while providing an update from the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) during a media briefing at the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) in Kingston on Monday (October 27).

Minister McKenzie reported that of the 800 designated shelters across Jamaica, 76 are currently occupied, accommodating 972 individuals.

“Clarendon has the highest number of persons, so far, 311, followed by St. Thomas with 277 and Kingston and St. Andrew with 179. There are four parishes that have no one in the shelters,” he further informed.
Mr. McKenzie expressed concern that shelter occupancy remains low in the parishes projected to be most affected by the hurricane.

“I am hoping that the next update… will show a much [better] picture, because I am concerned that in the parishes where this system is heading, the numbers are small,” he said.

The Minister identified St. Elizabeth, St. James, and Westmoreland as areas of particular concern.

Meanwhile, Mr. McKenzie emphasised that, based on national projections and ongoing coordination with local authorities, approximately 50,000 individuals may need to be relocated, either to higher ground or into official shelters.

He reassured the public that comprehensive evacuation protocols are in place, with transportation support available for those requiring assistance.

Mr. McKenzie further noted that Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) buses have been deployed to communities, accompanied by personnel from the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF), Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) and ODPEM to facilitate evacuation efforts.

The Minister urged residents to act proactively and not wait for worsening conditions before seeking safety.

He also encouraged citizens to bring essential personal items to shelters, including medications and basic supplies.

Mr. McKenzie reiterated that the Government’s foremost priority is the protection of lives, and urged all citizens to act responsibly as Hurricane Melissa approaches.

“We have done everything we can. Once the centres are activated, there is nothing that those persons who are in the shelters will be denied of.” he assured.