JAMAICA-WEATHER – Prime Minister activates national emergency systems as heavy rains pelt sections of the island

KINGSTON, Jamaica, May 16, CMC – Prime Minister Andrew Holness has instructed the activation of national emergency systems as heavy rainfall continues to affect sections of the island.
The emergency agencies include the National Works Agency (NWA) and the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), as well as local representatives.
According to Holness, all the agencies should mobilize their resources to deal with the impact of the extraordinary rain event and to support residents who may need assistance in flooded areas.
He has also urged persons to be on high alert as the rain is expected to continue throughout the day.
Extensive flooding has so far been reported in the central parishes of St. Catherine, Clarendon and Manchester, the eastern parish of St. Thomas and the Northern parish of St. Ann.
Meanwhile, following discussions with Holness, the acting prime minister Dr. Horace Chang will make a statement in parliament on Tuesday on the emergency processes that have been activated and the preliminary assessment of damage cause by the heavy rainfall.
The island remains under a Flash Flood Warning for low-lying and flood prone areas.
A Flash Flood watch has also been issued for some areas.
The weather advisories will remain in effect until 5:00pm (local time)
The National Meteorological Service issued the warning for the parishes of St. Mary, Portland, St. Thomas, Kingston, St.Andrew, St. Catherine, Clarendon, Manchester, St. Elizabeth and Westmoreland.
A Flash Flood Watch also remains in effect for low-lying and flood-prone areas of Hanover, St. James, Trelawny, and St. Ann and is effective until 5:00 p.m. today.
Meanwhile, in the community of Linstead in the parish of St. Catherine, rescue operations were being carried out as several persons were trapped in a house in the area.
Director General of the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM, Major Clive Davis, told Radio Jamaica that the Jamaica Constabulary Force rescued three of 15 persons trapped by rising water in a house on Tuesday morning.
The Jamaica Defence Force Coast Guard is also assisting in rescue efforts.