Go-Jamaica Weather Watch

Furious tropical storm Gustav may have claimed at least 10 lives thus far, the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) have said.

Ronald Jackson told The Gleaner this morning that there are several reports of the loss of lives but the ODPEM has not been able to confirm the reports.

“We have unconfirmed reports that 10 people have died but of that number we have found only one body,” Jackson said.

Two deaths have been reported in Gordon Town, St. Andrew. There are also reports of one death in Llandewey, St Thomas, where a man was washed away in a car. A search has been launched for a female victim.

Prime Minister Bruce Golding, who is head of the national disaster committee, said on radio today that there are reports of at least 11 deaths in the country.

Meanwhile, ODPEM has reported that 1520 persons are in 76 emergency shelters. ODPEM has also reported extensive flooding over the eastern end of the island.

The meteorological service this morning said that although the centre of Gustav is about to move away from Jamaica, bands of showers extend 200 km east of the island. It said that periods of heavy rainfall and strong, gusty winds are should continue throughout today.