KINGSTON, Jamaica — Information Minister, Senator Dr Dana Morris Dixon says the Government of Jamaica has transitioned to assessment and response mode following the passage of Hurricane Beryl, which impacted the Island on Wednesday.

Minister Morris Dixon says the Government takes note that the Hurricane Warning for Jamaica has been discontinued and is grateful that the impact of the weather system has not been worse.

“Unfortunately, we have had reports of a woman losing her life in Hanover and a man in Arnett Gardens in St Andrew was washed away. His status is unconfirmed. We grieve with the families affected,” Minister Morris Dixon commented in a statement on Thursday morning.

The Information Minister says the Government is aware that the hurricane has caused significant dislocation and damage in some parishes – in particular the southern section of the island – which includes St Elizabeth, Clarendon and Manchester.

She notes that there are also reports of damage to property and the road network across sections of the island where some roads are impassable.

Minister Morris Dixon says preliminary reports are that some people have had their roofs blown off, and up to early this morning, there were concerned family members who were unable to get in touch with their relatives on the south coast in particular, likely due to challenges associated with the mobile network.

“I want to say to those people who suffered major damage that the Government of Jamaica is aware of your plight and we have transitioned into assessment and response mode. During the course of today, we will continue our assessment of the damage via various agencies, even as we seek to respond as quickly as possible to those who need emergency assistance”, Minister Morris Dixon assured.