ST CATHERINE, Jamaica — On Sunday afternoon, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Early Warning System in Old Harbour Bay was activated at 2:43 pm, issuing evacuation alerts due to rapidly rising sea levels caused by Hurricane Melissa. The system, which was transferred to Jamaica’s Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) in 2024 as part of the Emergency Communications System Improvement Project, plays a critical role in disaster response by disseminating ODPEM warnings. Reports confirm that the surging waters have inundated numerous homes, roads, and parts of the local fishing village, exacerbating the crisis. Hurricane Melissa is expected to unleash torrential rains and powerful winds, with the potential for life-threatening storm surges. The Parish Disaster Management team is actively monitoring the situation to ensure public safety and coordinate emergency efforts.