Almost 6,000 Jamaicans now in shelters
Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie on Tuesday reported that the number of Jamaicans in shelters has climbed to almost 6,000, as Hurricane Melissa lashes Jamaica's south coast.
McKenzie said the authorities are receiving calls from persons in St Elizabeth requiring transportation to shelters.
The Government expects more than 50,000 persons to be displaced due to the impact of the powerful Category 5 system.
"This is not the time to be brave. ...Don't bet against Melissa, it is a bet we can't win," he said, as the storm nears landfall on Tuesday morning.
McKenzie, who was speaking at a news conference, reported that road blockages and land slippages had occurred across the country.
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