ODPEM To Roll Out National Hurricane Preparedness Campaign

The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) will shortly roll out the national hurricane preparedness campaign, as the country readies for the 2021 Atlantic hurricane season, which forecasters have predicted will be more active than usual.

Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie made the disclosure while making his contribution to the 2021/22 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives on May 18.

“Our disaster coordinators have been doing all the things necessary to secure shelters during the period,” he said, noting that preparation is also being made to ensure that isolation wards are available for persons suspected of having coronavirus (COVID-19) and who may need shelter during storms.

Meanwhile, Minister McKenzie said that ODPEM is coordinating the Government of Jamaica’s relief and recovery assistance to St. Vincent and the Grenadines, which is being impacted by the eruption of the La Soufrière volcano.

This includes the provision relief supplies valued more than $35 million and collection of approximately $3.2 million in donations.