Jamaica

NEWS RELEASE #6
ISSUED ON: Thursday, October 11, 2007 at 4:15 p.m.

FLASH FLOOD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FOR ALL PARISHES

As the island continues to be influenced by unstable weather conditions, The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) has been advised by the Meteorological Service of Jamaica that the Flash Flood Warning remains in effect for low-lying and flood-prone areas in all parishes across Jamaica until 5:00 p.m. today. A Flash Flood Warning means that flooding has been reported or will occur shortly. All Parish Disaster Committees will remain on alert during the period of the Flash Flood Warning.

The ODPEM has received the following reports:
St. Andrew
 

• The Chalkey River has overflowed its banks and is now inundating Weiss Road, Nine-Miles.
• A man has been reportedly washed away in the Grants Pen Gully. The Half Way Tree Fire Station is responding.
• A series of transformers are exploding in the vicinity of the General Accident Insurance Co. Ja. Ltd. building, 58 Half Way Tree Road. The Half Way Tree Fire Brigade is currently on the scene.

St. Catherine

• The Bog Walk Gorge is now closed. The alternate routes are through Barry and Sligoville. THE PUBLIC IS BEING URGED TO AVOID THIS POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS AREA.
• One family of three children and four adults, were stranded in a car in the Bog Walk Gorge. The Bog Walk Police are now responding.
• The community of Hill Run is currently being flooded out. The following streets are affected:

• Mahoe Drive
• Cherry Drive
• Cassava Way
• Carby’s Way
• Precalia Way

The Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB) has been contacted to carry out the evacuation of affected persons in these areas.

The public is advised to continue monitoring the radio for further advisories and to avoid areas that are at risk from flooding and landslides. Also take the following precautions:
 

• Be ready to evacuate if you live in low-lying or flood-prone areas. Decide on likely evacuation routes now. Plan to stay with family or friends in safer areas or in a public shelter and move to safety.
• Avoid flooded waterways, gullies, streams or rivers, either on foot or in vehicles.
• Move your refrigerator, stove and furniture to a higher floor, or place them on building blocks and secure to the wall.
• Do not walk outside barefooted during or after the flood event.
• Bury all dead animals right after flooding has subsided.

Fishers and other marine interests must exercise caution due to deteriorating sea conditions in the vicinity of showers and thunderstorms, over both inshore and offshore areas.

The Meteorological Service and ODPEM will continue to monitor the situation and further updates will be provided as the situation demands.
 
Contact: Kerry-Ann Morris, Information Officer