New Flood Warning System for Rio Cobre

Minister with responsibility for Information, Telecommunications and Special Projects, Hon. Daryl Vaz, says the new Rio Cobre Flood Warning System should be in place by March 31.
Making the announcement at Wednesday’s (March 3) Post Cabinet press briefing at Jamaica House, Mr. Vaz explained that, based on Minister of Water and Housing, Dr. Horace Chang’s report to Cabinet, the Rio Cobre system is malfunctioning.
Mr. Vaz said that, until a new wireless communications system is procured and installed, a temporary manual system is being used, where local observers alert the Water Resources Authority by telephone.
“The new system will transmit rainfall and river flow data to the Water Resources Authority and the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management, on a 24-hour basis, thereby ensuring that warning messages will be transmitted even at night and that the necessary action will be taken,” he said.
He stated that Vaisala, based in Norway, was selected to supply and install the new system and train staff in its use.