标签： Jamaica

Residents of Mountain View, Jamaica, are bracing for Tropical Storm Melissa, just over a month after heavy rains caused Burger Gully to overflow, flooding several homes. Beverly Underhill, a local resident, expressed deep concern for her neighbors, particularly those living closer to the gully, who have repeatedly suffered from severe flooding. While Underhill feels somewhat secure due to the elevated construction of her home, she remains worried about the potential devastation the storm could bring. ‘I’m sorry for them,’ she said, referring to her neighbor Andrew Smith, whose home has been repeatedly damaged by floodwaters. Despite temporary measures like sandbags being installed by local authorities, Underhill believes these efforts are insufficient. ‘It’s complacency that has put us in this position,’ she stated, urging for a permanent solution to the gully’s overflow issue. During a recent tour of the area, Minister Robert Morgan and MP Phillip Paulwell were shown the extent of the problem by Underhill, who demanded immediate action rather than promises. ‘We want the gully fixed, and we won’t rest until it is,’ she warned, threatening to take the issue to the streets if her demands are not met. As the community prepares for Tropical Storm Melissa, residents remain hopeful but fearful of the potential consequences.

As Tropical Storm Melissa looms over Jamaica, potentially escalating into a hurricane, St. Ann’s Bay Mayor Michael Belnavis has announced that all government agencies are in active dialogue to bolster preparedness efforts. With the island under both a tropical storm and hurricane watch, state agencies remain on high alert, ready to address any eventualities. Mayor Belnavis emphasized the immediate priority of securing municipal assets, including critical documents and properties, while ensuring the safety of vulnerable residents, particularly the elderly.

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.

WESTMORELAND, Jamaica — As Tropical Storm Melissa approaches the island, Mayor of Savanna-la-Mar, Councillor Danree Delancy, has assured residents that Westmoreland is fully prepared to face the impending weather system. In an interview with JIS News, Delancy emphasized the coordinated efforts of the municipal corporation, which has been working closely with the Disaster Preparedness Department, key agencies, and shelter managers to ensure all necessary measures are in place.

As Tropical Storm Melissa approaches Jamaica, surfers on the island’s southeast coast are eagerly anticipating the powerful waves it may bring, rather than fearing its potential dangers. Billy ‘Mystic’ Wilmot, founder of the Jamnesia Surf Club in Bull Bay, St. Andrew, expressed excitement about the hurricane season, which he described as ideal for surfing. “We always look forward to the hurricane season. It sends waves from far away, even if the storm is hundreds of miles from us,” Wilmot told Observer Online during a visit to the area on Thursday, October 23, 2025. However, he emphasized the need for the storm to remain at a safe distance to avoid strong winds that could disrupt surfing conditions. “We welcome the waves, but not the breeze. The wind can make it impossible to surf,” he explained. At 7:00 pm on Thursday, the center of Tropical Storm Melissa was located approximately 224 kilometers south-southeast of Morant Point, Jamaica, prompting a tropical storm warning and hurricane watch for the island. Despite the warnings, surfers like Ivah Wilmot and Danielle Mattis were seen catching waves at Wickie Wackie Beach in Bull Bay. Wilmot also expressed hope that the storm would not cause loss of life or property damage, recalling the devastation caused by Hurricane Beryl in July 2024, which led to flooding and debris accumulation in the area. Bull Bay, like other low-lying regions in Jamaica, remains vulnerable to flooding during heavy rainfall.