标签： Jamaica

The early onslaught of Hurricane Melissa has significantly impacted Portland, Jamaica, prompting the activation of 52 out of 74 designated shelters across the parish. As of late Monday evening, these shelters housed 295 individuals, including 107 adult females, 99 adult males, 48 female children, and 41 male children. The storm’s effects have been widespread, with landslides blocking key roads such as Cascade and Birnamwood in the Buff Bay Valley and Bellevue in the Rio Grande Valley. Although these roads were later cleared, other disruptions, such as a fallen tree and utility pole on Sommers Lane in Port Antonio, further complicated travel. High waves and strong winds in the Manchioneal area forced residents to seek refuge at the Manchioneal Primary School. Additionally, several areas, including Islington, Boston, Fairy Hill, and parts of Norwich Heights, remain without electricity. In response to the crisis, the Bring Back The Love Buff Bay Valley Foundation has stepped in to provide care packages to shelters in Charles Town, Tranquillity, Birnamwood, Cascade, Avocat, and the Woodstock Housing Scheme. Cassandra Bennett, the foundation’s president, emphasized the importance of their efforts, noting that government aid through the Ministry of Labour and Social Security often arrives late. The foundation also assists individuals unable to reach shelters, including shut-ins and those with visual impairments. As of now, the weather in Portland remains overcast with intermittent drizzles and low winds.

As Hurricane Melissa approaches Jamaica, Councillor Garth Wilkinson of the People’s National Party (Falmouth Division) has raised significant concerns about the safety of the emergency shelter located at Salt Marsh Primary School in Trelawny. The shelter, one of 42 designated across the parish, is situated near a gully that is highly susceptible to flooding during heavy rainfall, posing a potential risk to those seeking refuge there. Wilkinson emphasized the challenges of mitigating flood risks at the location, stating, ‘In case of any flooding, you would have to evacuate the residents who seek shelter at the facility. I have some issues with it.’ He further expressed uncertainty about how to address potential disasters at the site. During an emergency disaster meeting on Wednesday, Mayor of Falmouth, Councillor C Junior Gager, urged local councillors to utilize their August allocations from the Trelawny Municipal Corporation to clean drains across the parish. Wilkinson reported that drain-clearing efforts in Falmouth began immediately after the meeting and continued until late Sunday afternoon. He highlighted the urgency of these measures, noting that Falmouth, Zion, and other areas are particularly flood-prone, with Falmouth being below sea level. ‘We have to do all that we can to mitigate against flooding,’ Wilkinson stressed, underscoring the critical need for preparedness as the hurricane looms.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — As Hurricane Melissa looms over Jamaica, expected to make landfall between Monday evening and Tuesday, one Port Royal resident has firmly decided to remain in his seaside community rather than seek refuge in a shelter. Roy Brown, in an interview with Observer Online on Monday, expressed his reluctance to evacuate, citing past traumatic experiences during Hurricane Ivan in 2004. Brown recounted how residents who sought shelter at the National Arena faced severe hardships, including theft, harassment, and the absence of transportation back home after the storm passed. He emphasized that he would rather face the hurricane’s wrath than endure similar conditions again. Brown’s defiance reflects a broader sentiment among some residents who feel safer staying put, despite the potential dangers of the approaching storm. His statement, ‘I don’t believe I can run from death,’ underscores his resolve to weather the storm at home, regardless of its intensity.

In response to the imminent threat posed by Hurricane Melissa, the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) in Jamaica has announced the immediate suspension of all visits to correctional facilities until further notice. The decision, effective immediately, also prohibits the public from delivering food or care packages to these institutions. The DCS emphasized that the safety and well-being of individuals under their care remain their top priority, and all necessary precautions are being taken to ensure their protection during the storm. Hurricane Melissa, which intensified into a Category 5 hurricane earlier on Monday, is currently positioned south of Jamaica and is projected to make its way toward the island later in the day. Forecasts indicate that the hurricane will likely pass near or over Jamaica on Monday night and Tuesday, prompting heightened safety measures across the region.

Residents of Cassia Park in Kingston, Jamaica, are raising urgent concerns about a deteriorating breakaway in the Sandy Gully, which they fear could endanger their homes as Hurricane Melissa approaches. The issue first emerged during Hurricane Beryl last year and has since worsened, leaving the community vulnerable to potential landslides and property damage. Despite repeated appeals to local authorities, including Member of Parliament Dennis Gordon, no substantial action has been taken to address the problem. Residents emphasize that their homes comply with building codes and are situated at a safe distance from the gully. However, the erosion caused by the breakaway has destabilized the hillside, putting their properties at risk. With Hurricane Melissa imminent, frustration and anxiety are mounting among residents, who feel neglected by their elected representatives. Efforts to seek assistance from government agencies, such as the Ministry of Local Government and the National Works Agency, have yielded no tangible results. The community now faces the grim possibility of losing their homes and livelihoods due to the lack of intervention.