AT LEAST eight babies were born during Hurricane Ivan, which pummelled the island between Friday and Saturday.

In one case, a Ministry of Health representative, who is a nurse, "talked a male neighbour into delivering his neighbour's baby and was able to do so successfully. We were able to get her to the hospital after that event. That was one of the most dramatic moments and the mother and child are now safe," Deputy Director-General of the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management (ODPEM), Paul Saunders, said yesterday.

SPECIALIST AGENCIES

A 17-year-old also gave birth at the Hunts Bay Police Station during the Hurricane.

In preparation for the hurricane, the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) has assembled a team, which comprised specialist agencies and persons with technical knowledge, to provide any assistance that was needed during the period. The team was put to work providing medical and other technical relief.

TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE

"We also had a couple of other incidents where persons were ill and could not get through to the hospital because of blockages and the Ministry of Health representatives were able to offer technical assistance to such persons until they could get to the hospital," Mr. Saunders said.

The team, which assembled at the South Camp Road offices of ODPEM, also acted as counsellors during the hurricane. "Several persons called with concerns about their roofs and the rain coming in. Most of the persons were females living alone and we assured them and encouraged them to seek the help of their neighbours," the ODPEM said.

Back to News

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