2024-07-05 04:03:12
Before the imminent arrival of hurricane Berylthe Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) of Jamaica has issued an urgent appeal to all residents of low-lying and flood-prone areas to immediately move to shelters set up across the country.The hurricane, which has already wreaked havoc on several Caribbean islands, poses a significant threat to the safety of Jamaicans.
Richard Thompson, acting director general of ODPEM, stressed the need for early evacuation: “We want them to go to the shelters as soon as possible.Thompson stressed that all shelters have been activated, including the one installed at the National Stadium, and that administrators are prepared to receive people who arrive.
Thompson expressed concern about people’s tendency to delay evacuation: “We usually tell people to go early, but people tend not to. They tend to stay home and see what happens, and when they start to see wind and rain, they try to move to shelters.” This behavior puts many residents at risk who could face dangerous conditions before reaching a safe place.To mitigate this risk, ODPEM has been sending out constant notices urging people to move to shelters without delay.
There are currently 20 people in the island’s shelters.a figure that is expected to rise significantly as the effects of the hurricane are felt more intensely. “I’m confident that number will increase as soon as we start to feel the full effects of the system,” Thompson said.
Jamaica’s meteorological agency has forecast rainfall of between 100 to 200 millimetres and storm surges that could raise water levels by two to three metres. These conditions pose a serious danger to low-lying areas and areas near bodies of water. In response to this threat, Prime Minister Andrew Holness has issued an evacuation order for all areas prone to flooding and landslides, including those at sea level and near ravines or waterways.
Holness made a direct appeal to the population: “We urge all Jamaicans to comply with evacuation notices when they are issued. However, even without the issuance of a warning, if you live in a low-lying area that is historically prone to flooding and mudslides, I implore you to evacuate to a shelter or safer ground.” This exhortation underscores the seriousness of the situation and the importance of acting quickly.
In an effort to protect the population, the Government of Jamaica has declared the island a disaster zone for the next seven days and has imposed a curfew for Wednesday. These measures aim to reduce the risk of accidents and facilitate evacuation and assistance to those affected.
Hurricane Beryl, which has already killed seven people in Grenada, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Venezuela, as well as causing extensive damage in the first two countries, is expected to pass close to Jamaica as a major cyclone, according to the US National Hurricane Center (NHC). Although the hurricane is expected to weaken in the coming days, Beryl will remain a significant threat.
In addition to Jamaica, hurricane warnings have also been issued for the Cayman Islands, the southern coast of Haiti and the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. The situation in the Caribbean is critical, and cooperation and compliance with the instructions of the authorities are essential to minimize the impact of this natural phenomenon.
It is essential that people take these warnings seriously and go to the designated shelters to ensure their safety and that of their families. Prompt response and cooperation with the authorities can make a difference in times of crisis like this.
2024-07-05 04:03:12