OFFICE OF DISASTER PREPAREDNESS AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT – NEWS RELEASE #2

ISSUED ON: Wednesday, October 3, 2007 at 11:00 a.m.

The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) has been advised by the Meteorological Service of Jamaica that the Flash Flood Warning issued on Tuesday, October 2, 2007, continues today for low-lying and flood-prone areas in all parishes across Jamaica until 5:00 p.m. today. A Flash Flood Warning means that flooding has been reported or will occur shortly.

This Flash Flood Warning is as a result of a persistent trough across the western Caribbean, which continues to produce moderate to heavy showers and thundershowers across much of the central Caribbean, including Jamaica. The Meteorological Service forecasts that weather conditions across the island will remain unstable for the next 24 to 36 hours, with periods of showers and thundershowers likely to persist until tomorrow.

The public is advised to continue monitoring the radio for further advisories and to avoid areas that are at risk from flooding and landslides. Also take the following precautions:
 

• Be on the look-out for fast rising waters, especially if you live in low-lying or flood-prone areas.
• Be ready to evacuate if you live in low-lying or flood-prone areas and decide on likely evacuation routes early. Plan to stay with family or friends in safer areas or in a public shelter and move to safety.
• Do not attempt to cross flooded waterways, gullies, streams or rivers, fording, flooded streets or other flooded areas, either on foot or in vehicles.

Fishers and other marine interests must exercise caution due to deteriorating sea conditions in the vicinity of showers and thunderstorms, over both inshore and offshore areas.

The Meteorological Service and ODPEM will continue to monitor the situation and further updates will be provided as the situation demands.

Contact: Kerry-Ann Morris, Information Officer