Tropical Wave Continues To Bring Rain Across Jamaica – More Reports To The ODPEM

As the island continues to experience rainfall due to the very active tropical wave currently in the vicinity of Jamaica, the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) has received the following additional reports from St. Thomas:

• The Georgia Fording is in spate; residents of Georgia blocked in.
• Trinityville to Mount Vernon Road blocked by landslides.

The St. Thomas Parish Disaster Coordinator (PDC) initiated contact with the National Works Agency (NWA) and the Superintendent of the Roads and Works Department about the above.

No shelters are required at this time however, shelter managers are on standby should the need arise.

The Meteorological Service and ODPEM will continue to keep an eye on the state of affairs and further updates will be provided, as it demands. The public is advised to continue monitoring radios and televisions for further advisories, avoid areas that are at risk from flooding and landslides, and be ready for quick action if flooding is observed or if a warning is issued. Also:

• Be ready to evacuate if you live in low-lying or flood-prone areas. Decide on likely evacuation routes now. Plan to stay with family or friends in safer areas or in a public shelter and move to safety.
• Avoid flooded waterways, gullies, streams or rivers, either on foot or in vehicles.
• Fishers and other marine interests, especially fishers on the cays and banks, are being advised to exercise extreme caution should continue to exercise extreme caution as gusty winds and choppy seas may be encountered in the vicinity of thunderstorms.