Tyrone Reid, Staff Reporter
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) satellite image, taken yesterday of Tropical Storm Dennis as it continues to gain strength in the Caribbean Sea. Dennis was expected to become a major hurricane, with winds in excess of 110 mph (177 kph), and the U.S. National Hurricane Center's long-range forecast puts it on track toward key oil and natural gas fields off the U.S. Gulf Coast. - REUTERS
THIRTY SHELTERS have been opened islandwide as the nation braces today for a direct hit from Hurricane Dennis.
The Category One hurricane is packing maximum sustained winds at 130 km per hour. Late yesterday evening, it was located at 150 km east south-east of Morant Point in St. Thomas, and is expected to impact the island at about 9:00 am.
Yesterday, Acting Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller presided over a press conference with officials of emergency management agencies at Jamaica House, in the absence of Prime Minister P.J. Patterson. The Prime Minister was stranded in the Dominican Republic by bad weather on returning from a CARICOM summit in St. Lucia. Mr. Patterson returned later and met with his Cabinet.
OVER $20M ALLOCATED
It was disclosed at the press conference that over $20 million had been allocated to parish councils to deal with emergency cases and cleaning of critical drains. Residents of Portland Cottage have been relocated to shelters. The police have also been put on full alert to prevent any instances of looting.
Yesterday, businesses closed early, giving employees the opportunity to prepare for the hurricane. In some parts of the island, there was a mad rush on supermarkets and wholesales.
All the major utility companies have activated their emergency disaster plans. As part of their emergency operations, the National Water Commission (NWC) says that plans are afoot to have all systems operating at an optimal level. The NWC says steps are being taken to fill all water-supply tanks and water trucks and to secure all critical equipment that may be threatened.
STORE WATER
However, the NWC is advising members of the public to expect possible disruptions in the public water supply and therefore should store water now for any likely disruption.
The Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) says it will open its emergency operation centres islandwide. These centres will be manned by technical staff who will respond to emergencies and accelerate restoration efforts in each parish, as is necessary.
The JPS says contingency plans are being put in place to ensure that power is restored to affected areas in the shortest possible time. In the meantime, JPS is reminding customers to take the necessary precautions to avoid damage to life and property.
Additionally, the Norman Manley International Airport remains closed today until further notice, following an 11:00 p.m. lockdown last night.
The Jamaica Urban Transit Company says it will resume normal operations on the advice of the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management.
Changes due to Hurricane Dennis
The Norman Manley International Airport has been closed until further notice. The airport road has been inundated. Motorists are asked to proceed with caution.
The Cornwall Regional Hospital in Montego Bay has suspended all out-patient clinics and will only see emergency cases.
The United States Embassy in Kingston is expected to open at noon today.
Flights of persons expected to leave the island today under the hotel work programme have been rescheduled.
Hotel workers expected to report for medical checks at the Ministry of Labour today should do so on Monday, July 11 instead.
Air Jamaica has erased ticket-change restrictions for passengers affected by the hurricane. For updates on flight changes, call 1-800-523-5585.
The Yallahs Ford has been closed to vehicular traffic.
The ODPEM says six St. Thomas communities are now inaccessible. They are Penlyne Castle; Epping Farm; Minto; Hagley Gap; Terrick Hill and Grass Piece.
