标签： Jamaica

As Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm, looms over Jamaica, the government is intensifying efforts to ensure the safety of its citizens. Desmond McKenzie, Minister of Local Government and Community Development, has reassured the public that the island’s 881 shelters are secure and well-equipped to handle the impending disaster. Addressing concerns raised in media reports, McKenzie emphasized that each shelter is managed by a dedicated team, ensuring safety and hygiene standards are maintained throughout the hurricane. He also highlighted that men and women are housed separately, except for families, and that police patrols will be active before and after the storm. Evacuation orders have been issued for vulnerable coastal areas, including Kingston, St Andrew, St Catherine, Portland, Manchester, and St Elizabeth. McKenzie urged residents to prioritize their safety, emphasizing that recovery from the hurricane is only possible if lives are preserved. He advised those in at-risk areas to secure their homes, gather essential supplies, and relocate to shelters or stay with relatives if possible. The government has provided buses to facilitate transportation to shelters, which McKenzie described as literal sanctuaries from the storm.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness has expressed confidence in the preparedness of Jamaica’s security forces to maintain law and order as the nation faces the impending impact of Hurricane Melissa, a Category 4 storm. Speaking at a special media briefing held at the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) on Monday, Holness emphasized the importance of safeguarding against potential disruptions during disasters.

Holness highlighted the presence of individuals who may exploit such crises, stating, ‘Whenever there’s any kind of disaster, there will always be that element in our society who is not a part of the common good and has no concern for their neighbor. We have to protect ourselves against them and protect them as well.’ He assured the public that security forces are fully mobilized and well-versed in their roles during emergencies, stressing that citizens’ rights must be respected at all times.

The Prime Minister outlined the legislative framework guiding the emergency response efforts of agencies such as the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA), the National Works Agency (NWA), and ODPEM. He urged Jamaicans to remain indoors, emphasizing the unpredictability of the storm’s conditions. ‘Don’t venture outside unnecessarily because the winds can pick up at any time, the rains can come at any time, and you can be caught in a flash flood. Stay inside—that’s the safest place to be at the moment,’ he advised.

Holness also called on citizens to avoid looting and other anti-social behaviors, such as hosting parties or playing sports in hazardous conditions. He particularly appealed to young people, many of whom may not have experienced the full force of a hurricane, to heed warnings and stay indoors. ‘I urge you to stay inside,’ he pleaded, urging heads of households and elders to communicate the seriousness of the situation to younger generations.

As Hurricane Melissa approaches Jamaica’s south-western coast, authorities in St Elizabeth are intensifying efforts to ensure public safety. With the storm expected to make landfall on Tuesday, local officials are urging residents to remain indoors and avoid unnecessary travel. Superintendent Coleridge Minto, head of the St Elizabeth Police Division, emphasized that law enforcement is fully mobilized to enforce safety measures and keep citizens off the streets during the hurricane. ‘We are appealing to everybody to remain indoors,’ he stated firmly. Meanwhile, Black River Mayor Richard Solomon highlighted that emergency preparations are complete, with 29 shelters already accommodating 360 individuals. This marks a significant increase from last year’s Hurricane Beryl, which saw 100 people seeking refuge. Both officials reiterated their commitment to safeguarding the community, particularly those in flood-prone and coastal areas, and encouraged residents to heed evacuation advisories and stay updated through official channels.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — In response to the escalating severity of Hurricane Melissa, the University of Technology, Jamaica, has announced the immediate suspension of all academic activities. The decision, effective from Monday, will remain in force until further notice, as the hurricane is anticipated to strike the region between late Monday and Tuesday. The university emphasized that this measure prioritizes the safety and well-being of its students and staff. In an official statement released on Monday, the institution urged all members of its community to stay indoors, refrain from non-essential travel, and stay updated through official channels, including the university and national emergency agencies. Despite the suspension, essential support and welfare services will continue to operate for international students and authorized local residents who have opted to remain on campus.

In preparation for Hurricane Melissa, Jamaica’s National Works Agency (NWA) has been actively addressing widespread infrastructure damage across the island. As of Monday morning, the NWA reported 15 incidents, including fallen trees, rock falls, downed power lines, and landslides, which have disrupted roadways. Minister of Works Robert Morgan confirmed that all but one road have been cleared and reopened. The remaining blockage, caused by fallen trees near St Ann’s Bay, is currently being addressed. Morgan emphasized the urgency of the situation during a media briefing at the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), urging citizens to exercise caution, particularly in areas prone to rock falls, such as the Little Bay main road in St Mary. The NWA has undertaken significant mitigation efforts, including drain cleaning and debris removal, particularly from the Sandy Gully near the Spanish Town Road Bridge, to safeguard critical infrastructure. Morgan also advised the public to avoid damaged or unstable roads, bridges, and structures, and to report such issues to the NWA or ODPEM immediately.

In anticipation of Hurricane Melissa’s arrival, security forces in Norwood, St James, have proactively relocated some of their operational infrastructure. The site, previously occupying a community playfield as part of the Zones of Special Operation initiative, now appears significantly less populated, with only a few structures remaining. The removed buildings primarily consisted of tents that had been utilized to accommodate staff. While the exact relocation site remains undisclosed, sources suggest that a base near the airport is the likely destination. This strategic move underscores the authorities’ commitment to safeguarding both personnel and resources in the face of the impending natural disaster.

MANCHESTER, Jamaica — As Hurricane Melissa intensifies into a Category 4 storm, local authorities in the Alligator Pond division are urging residents to evacuate to safer grounds. Councillor Omar Robinson, who oversees the area, reported that the coastal village is already experiencing rising sea levels, signaling the imminent threat of the hurricane. ‘The waves are climbing higher as I speak,’ Robinson stated during a telephone interview on Sunday. He confirmed that the Parish Disaster Manager, Keval Lewis, and local police have issued an evacuation order for the region. Robinson emphasized the urgency, noting that Hurricane Melissa is expected to make landfall near Alligator Pond, bringing potentially devastating impacts. The New Forest High School has been designated as a shelter, though it is nearing capacity. Robinson and his team are working to clear nearby swamps to mitigate flooding risks. He has implored residents and fisherfolk to move to higher ground, stressing the importance of safety. Many in the community are taking the storm seriously, with fisherfolk securing their boats and residents reinforcing their homes. One fisherman, in his 30s, shared that this is the first time he has prepared so thoroughly for a hurricane, highlighting the gravity of the situation. Hurricane Melissa has already claimed three lives in Haiti, where heavy rains and landslides have caused widespread destruction. As the storm continues its slow but deadly path through the Caribbean, Jamaica remains on high alert, hoping for the best while preparing for the worst.