St. James Emergency Operation Centre Activated

The St. James Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) has been activated,  providing a multi-agency response to Tropical Storm Melissa.

Operating from the fourth floor of the St. James Municipal Corporation building in Montego Bay, the centre is a centralised command where a broad coalition of representatives from critical public and private agencies and non-government partners, will monitor and direct preparedness and response activities.

“Our priority is the safety and wellbeing of residents and visitors,” said Mayor of Montego Bay, Councillor Richard Vernon.

“The joint coordination among government agencies, emergency services, and community partners will enable a swift and organised response,” he added.

Meanwhile, the municipal corporation is advising that 15 metro buses are on standby to assist with evacuations or transportation to shelters, and a dedicated truck has been arranged to move food supplies to stranded communities or areas cut off by rising floodwaters.

Nine public ambulances are prepared to respond to medical emergencies.

The Montego Bay Convention Centre has been designated as the official shelter for visitors.

A list of emergency numbers has been posted to facilitate rapid access to services, and residents are urged to save their councilors’ contact numbers and to also reach out to the EOC for assistance.

Mayor Vernon is urging residents in flood-prone areas or near gullies to evacuate to designated shelters promptly and to stay tuned to official updates from the EOC and the municipal authority.