More rains threaten Jamaica
Published:Wednesday | October 6, 2010 | 12:00 AM
Jamaicans should brace for another period of heavy rains, as the Meteorological Service is reporting that an increase in showers and thunderstorms has been forecasted for the island starting later today.
According to the Met Office, the rain will continue through to the weekend.
This is due to a broad area of low pressure over the eastern Caribbean.
There is a possibility of this system becoming a tropical cyclone during the next 48 hours.
A tropical cyclone is a storm system characterised by a large low-pressure centre and numerous thunderstorms that pro-duce strong winds and heavy rain.
The Met Office indi-cated that the system was also being enhanced by a tropical wave over the Hispaniola land mass with another just west of Puerto Rico.
Just last week, flood rains lashed the island claiming several lives and destroying a number of properties, as showers associated with Tropical Storm Nicole rocked the country.
100 still in shelters
Up to yesterday, more than 100 people remained in shelters after they were dislocated due to the disaster.
In the meantime, the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) is advising persons living in flood-prone areas to be on high alert and prepare to evacuate when necessary.
ODPEM is encouraging persons to continue monitoring their radios for further advisories and to avoid areas that are at risk from flooding and landslides.
Precautions to take in the event of heavy rains:
1. Be ready to evacuate if you live in low-lying or flood-prone areas. Decide on likely evacuation routes now.
2. Avoid flooded waterways, that is, fords, gullies, streams or rivers, either on foot or in vehicles.