Go-Jamaica Weather Watch

The Hurricane Warning issued by the National Meteorological Service remains in effect for Jamaica as rainfall associated with Tropical Storm Gustav pummels the island. Given the continuous rainfall that has been experienced, high levels of saturation is currently taking place resulting in extensive flooding across eastern parishes.

Reports:

Flooding:-
· The McGregor Gully in the Vineyard Town area has overflowed its bank resulting in widespread flooding in the area
· Sections of Deanery Road are currently experiencing flooding
· Reports of flooding in Real Avenue in Harbour have been received
· The communities of barbican and Havendale in St. Andrew are also reporting incidents of flooding

Landslide:-
· Landslides have been reported in Cooper’s Ridge and Gordon Town in Upper St. Andrew
· A dwelling place in Cornfield, Papine has been disjointed as a result of a landslide in the area
· 2 houses in the Tavern Drive area of Kintyre have been washed into the nearby river due to landslippage.

Actions:-
Agencies’ response is currently underway to rescue persons trapped in flooded communities.

Shelters:-
There are currently 44 opened shelters housing a total of 920 persons, predominantly in the parish of St. Thomas

The public is being urged to continue monitoring radios and televisions for further advisories and to avoid areas that are at risk from flooding and landslides. Also take the following precautions in the event of heavy rains:

1. Avoid flooded waterways, gullies, streams or rivers, either on foot or in vehicles.
2. Be ready to evacuate if you live in low-lying or flood-prone areas.
3. 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.
4. Take the following with you if you must go to a shelter:
§ Blankets and extra clothing; Medication; 24 hours’ supply of non-perishable food and water and a can opener; toilet articles such as toilet tissue and soap; portable radio, flashlights and batteries; First Aid Kit.
5. Wrap important personal items, family documents, and electrical appliances in plastic bags and store away from the reach of floodwaters.
6. All small craft operators, including fishers from the cays and banks, are advised to secure their vessels and remain in safe harbour until all warning messages have been lifted and wind and sea conditions have returned to normal.

The National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC), headquartered at the ODPEM’s offices at 12 Camp Road, Kingston 4, continues to be activated and closely monitoring the progress of T.S. Gustav.