Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness has declared Jamaica a 'disaster area', as the country reels from widespread infrastructural damage and catastrophic flooding caused by the passage of Hurricane Melissa across the island.
Tuesday's decision follows advice from the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management and Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie, amid widespread flooding, landslides, and severe infrastructural damage particularly across Clarendon, Manchester, St Elizabeth and Westmoreland, where many communities remain cut off and roads impassable.
The declaration was made under the Disaster Risk Management Act, a statement from the Office of the Prime Minister said.
At the same time, Industry Minister Aubyn Hill has issued an emergency trade order to prevent price gouging and safeguard essential supplies as Jamaicans stock up on food, water, and other necessities.
Holness said the new measures are aimed at protecting lives and maintaining stability during the passage of the storm.
"The Government’s first priority is always the safety and well-being of every Jamaican. We acted pre-emptively with the declaration of a threatened area when the system was approaching Jamaica. Hurricane Melissa, an unprecedented Category 5 system, is now here, making its way across the island. This warrants a new legislative provision under the DRMA," he said.
"Similarly, we must also continue to proactively maintain stability, protect consumers, and prevent any exploitation at a time when citizens are securing food, water, and supplies. These orders give the Government the tools to continue managing our response to Hurricane Melissa.”
Hurricane Melissa, now weakened to a Category 4 system, made landfall in Westmoreland at midday Tuesday, dumping inches of rain that inundated several central and southern parishes, leaving communities under water and triggering life-threatening flash floods.
(Jamaica Gleaner)
