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.

As Hurricane Melissa approaches Jamaica with projected Category 4 strength, the island’s homeless community remains unfazed, opting to brave the storm on the streets rather than seek refuge in shelters. For many, this is not their first encounter with nature’s fury. One man, who has lived on the streets of downtown Kingston since 1996, recounted his experiences with past hurricanes, including Hurricane Ivan. Despite the dangers, he and others like him prefer the familiarity of the streets to the uncertainty of shelters. A 62-year-old woman at Justice Square shared similar sentiments, explaining that she seeks refuge in a market on Princess Street during severe weather events, as she did during Hurricane Beryl in 2023. Both individuals cited poor conditions and negative experiences in shelters as reasons for their reluctance to leave the streets. The Ministry of Local Government and the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) have been urging homeless individuals to seek safety in shelters, but many remain resistant. Acting inspector of poor at the KSAMC, Donna-Gaye Brady, emphasized the outreach efforts to relocate the most vulnerable, yet the homeless community’s distrust of shelters persists. Their resilience highlights the broader challenges faced by Jamaica’s homeless population, even in the face of life-threatening storms.

As Hurricane Melissa approaches Jamaica, Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie has issued a stark warning to residents in flood-prone and vulnerable areas, signaling that mandatory evacuation orders are imminent. The Category 1 hurricane, expected to make landfall between Monday and Tuesday, is projected to bring heavy winds and torrential rainfall, lingering over the island for several days. Port Royal, a historic seafaring town notorious for its residents’ refusal to evacuate during past storms, remains a top concern for authorities. McKenzie emphasized the gravity of the situation during a special Jamaica House media briefing on Saturday, urging residents to act swiftly to ensure their safety. He referenced the Bible, stating, “God helps those who help themselves,” in a bid to counter the common belief that Jamaica is divinely protected from natural disasters. The minister also revealed that he has written to Prime Minister Andrew Holness, recommending the declaration of Jamaica as a “threatened area” under the Disaster Risk Management Act (DRMA). This designation paves the way for compulsory evacuations in high-risk zones such as Rocky Point, Taylor Land, New Haven, and Riverton City. McKenzie appealed to residents to relocate voluntarily, warning that first responders’ lives would be endangered if people refused to move. The government has already begun relocating vulnerable populations, including residents of three infirmaries and the homeless, to safer accommodations. Relief supplies are being prepositioned, and a team from the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency is assisting with communication and on-ground support. Prime Minister Holness echoed McKenzie’s concerns, emphasizing that the entire island will be impacted by Melissa’s wide-reaching outer bands. He urged Jamaicans to prepare for prolonged rainfall, strong winds, and potential power outages, while also safeguarding essential documents. Holness acknowledged the limitations of government resources, stating that while supplies are being distributed, not all those in need will be reached. Churches, Members of Parliament, and first responders will assist in the distribution efforts. The prime minister also called on parents to keep their children calm and safe during the storm. As Jamaica braces for Hurricane Melissa, the government’s message is clear: preparedness and cooperation are essential to minimize the storm’s devastating impact.