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As Tropical Storm Melissa looms, Jamaican authorities are intensifying efforts to ensure public safety, particularly in vulnerable areas like Port Royal. Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie has issued a stern appeal to residents of the historic seaside community, urging them to comply with evacuation orders to avoid potential risks if the storm makes landfall. McKenzie emphasized that past weather events have seen resistance from Port Royal residents, making cooperation critical this time. He assured the public that the government is prepared, with 881 emergency shelters inspected and ready for activation, and relief supplies strategically positioned across the island. The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) has been coordinating extensively with municipal corporations and other agencies to ensure a swift response. Flood-prone areas, including Rocky Point, Taylor Land, and Burger Gully, are receiving special attention, with measures like sandbag installations underway. McKenzie also addressed concerns about garbage collection, acknowledging challenges but highlighting ongoing special operations to mitigate flooding risks. Acting ODPEM Director General Richard Thompson confirmed that disaster mechanisms have been activated, with parish coordinators on standby and a robust disaster communication network in place. Humanitarian organizations are collaborating to provide food and comfort items to shelters, which are being equipped with solar lanterns and portable generators for power outages. McKenzie urged Jamaicans to stay vigilant, follow official updates, and prepare for potential evacuations by bringing only essential items to shelters.

Residents of Bay Road and McNeil Land in Westmoreland, Jamaica, are bracing for potential devastation as Tropical Storm Melissa approaches. Already grappling with recent flooding caused by heavy rains, the community fears the storm, which is expected to intensify into a hurricane, will exacerbate their plight. Arthur Riley, a Bay Road resident, expressed deep concern, predicting that the area could be submerged by the weekend. ‘Water is already rising in low-lying areas and behind houses,’ he said, noting that floodwaters often extend to nearby McNeil Land. Both communities have a history of severe flooding, with Bay Road last experiencing significant inundation just a month ago. Riley, who lives on higher ground, relies on a fibreglass boat to navigate his property during floods. He warned that if Melissa hits, the aftermath could take nearly a month to subside. Errol Edwards, a mechanic whose shop is on Bay Road, shared similar anxieties. Flooding typically disrupts his business for a week, leaving him unable to work. ‘I cannot work in the water,’ he lamented, adding that he urges customers to collect their vehicles before storms to avoid damage. Edwards and other residents believe cleaning the area’s drains could mitigate flooding. Councillor Ian Myles confirmed that drain-cleaning efforts are scheduled for Thursday, while Member of Parliament Ian Hayles emphasized the need for residents to heed evacuation warnings. Despite ongoing local efforts, the lack of central government support remains a concern. As Melissa looms, Westmoreland’s flood-prone communities are preparing for the worst, hoping for minimal damage but bracing for a potentially catastrophic event.

As Tropical Storm Melissa approaches, the Jamaican Government has ramped up emergency efforts to address vulnerabilities in the Sandy Gully, a critical drainage system in Kingston. Robert Morgan, minister without portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, emphasized that the current measures are temporary, pending the finalization of a multi-billion-dollar rehabilitation project. Speaking during a site visit to the Spanish Town Bridge section of the gully, Morgan revealed that crews from the National Works Agency (NWA) have been deployed to clear debris and reinforce at-risk areas.

The Sandy Gully, which spans approximately eight kilometers from Red Hills to Kingston Harbour, has long been plagued by silt buildup, illegal dumping, and encroachment, significantly reducing its capacity to handle stormwater. Morgan highlighted that the large-scale rehabilitation project is progressing through the Public Investment Management System (PIMS), the Government’s framework for major capital projects. However, he stressed that immediate safety remains the top priority.

Despite these efforts, Anthony Hylton, Member of Parliament for St Andrew Western, criticized the Government’s focus on the bridge section, arguing that it overlooks more severe damage further upstream. Hylton warned that eroded areas upstream pose a direct threat to residents, infrastructure, and Jamaica Public Service (JPS) installations. He expressed frustration over the lack of urgent intervention, noting that his repeated calls for action have gone unanswered.

Hylton revealed that he had to enlist the help of an international organization to clear debris at the gully’s mouth, where blockages could exacerbate flooding in nearby communities. He emphasized that temporary clean-ups are insufficient to prevent future disasters, urging the Government to address the broader issues affecting the gully.

Both officials agree that protecting lives is paramount as Tropical Storm Melissa looms. While Morgan insists that the Government is acting swiftly to manage immediate risks, Hylton maintains that comprehensive, long-term solutions are essential to safeguard homes and livelihoods. The Sandy Gully’s vulnerabilities underscore the urgent need for sustained investment and proactive measures to mitigate the impact of extreme weather events in Jamaica.