Riverton smog under control, says ODPEM

With thousands of voices from the St Andrew northern belt continuing to cough up complaints about the fierce smoke nuisance, the combined forces fighting the fire at the Riverton landfill are claiming that they are making steady progress.

They are the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA), the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Education and the National Environment and Planning Agency.

The situation has become a nightmare for not only the Ministry of Health which has been trying to cope to contain the health risks but the Ministry of Education. The smoke discomfort forced some schools to prematurely close their doors last Friday.

For the past five days at least, residents of Patrick City, Cooreville Gardens and a host of other communities extending into the hills of Red Hills and Chancery Hall have been in a state of anxiety as the fire raged at the landfill, a situation that has turned into an annual event.

ODPEM in a release said that yesterday marked 48 hours, the estimated time frame for ground command operations to further control and abate the smoke nuisance at the Riverton landfill.

According to the statement, the NSWMA in collaboration with ODPEM continued to report steady progress.

The release stated that this has been confirmed by the on-site emergency response team, led by the Jamaica Fire Brigade.

In the meantime, the Ministry of Health continues to urge affected persons to take the following health precautions:-

Avoid or reduce exposure to smoke by closing windows and doors and remain indoors as much as possible. This is especially so for those persons who suffer from allergies, asthma and other respiratory conditions; and the elderly and the young.

Residents must also cover their noses and mouths with a clean wet rag or cloth to minimise the effects of the smoke.

The health ministry is also urging residents to avoid exposing laundry outdoors since these can become contaminated, stained and foul-smelling.

They are also been urged to visit the nearest health facility or doctor if they start having shortness of breath, wheezing or severe coughing, especially those with respiratory illnesses.

For further information on health-related advice and issues dial toll free 1-888-663-5683

ODPEM is reassuring residents that the organisation, along with its partner agencies, continues to monitor the situation and further updates will be given when warranted.