Monique Hepburn, Staff Reporter

WESTERN BUREAU:

COMING ON the heels of Tuesday's freak storm in Brighton, St. Elizabeth, shelter managers are now on full alert in western Jamaica as the country braces for a possible direct hit by Hurricane Ivan towards the end of the week.

Yvonne Morrison, parish disaster co-ordinator, told The Gleaner that she had sent an assessment team to Brighton to conduct an assessment of the damage left by the storm.

"The storm tore off the roofs of two houses and a shop and we are now gathering information as to the extent of the damage. We know, however, that the families affected are now staying with friends and relatives," Mrs. Morrison said.

Other western parishes had already begun to experience freak storms and flash flooding from as early as last week. In St. James the community of Anchovy was hit by another freak storm yesterday following last Wednesday's, which flattened trees and damaged houses.

PREPARATION

Faye Headley, disaster co-ordinator for the Office of Disaster Prepared-ness and Emergency Management, told The Gleaner yesterday that shelter managers were on standby in the event of Hurricane Ivan.

"The shelter managers are being alerted as to the situation at hand," Mrs. Headley said. "Schools as well as some churches are designated shelters and we are reminding people to use them if they have to."

Mrs. Headley said that persons going to shelters should take battery-operated radios, batteries, flashlights, blankets, and non-perishable food items to last at least three days. Persons on medication are being asked to take their medication and other medical equipment they might need.

The disaster co-ordinator said she was making a special appeal to residents to consider the sick and disabled as the hurricane draws near.

In Hanover, in the event hurricane conditions prevail, an emergency operating centre will operate out of the Lucea Town Hall. The alternative location for the centre is the Social Development Commission's building in Watson Taylor Park.

Last month, Hurricane Charley hit the island's south coast leaving $300 million worth of damage to agriculture and infrastructure. Relief efforts to farmers and homeowners affected are still ongoing.

Back to Lead Stories

Go-Jamaica | Jamaica Star | Go-Local Jamaica | Sports Jamaica | Letters to the Editor