ST JAMES, Jamaica — The parish of St Elizabeth is on high alert as a strong tropical wave is set to move across Jamaica from September 4 to 6, bringing heavy showers and thunderstorms.

The ‘breadbasket’ parish’s Disaster Preparedness, Hazard Mitigation and Safety Committee convened a meeting at the St Elizabeth Municipal Corporation in Black River on Tuesday, September 3 to outline proactive measures to ensure the residents’ safety.

Mayor of Black River and Chairman of the corporation, Councillor Richard Solomon, said the Parish Coordinator for Disaster Preparedness, Ornella Lewis, and the team have been actively assessing and inspecting the condition of shelters, some of which were impacted by Hurricane Beryl on July 3.

“We are ensuring that we are dotting the I’s and crossing our T’s and doing what is necessary. We are taking that very seriously and are aware of the challenges as they are now,” Councillor Solomon said.

Recent assessments revealed that some shelters, including those at Russell’s Primary School, Flagaman Community Centre, Sandy Bank Primary School and Pondside Primary School, require some repairs before they can be safely used.

St Elizabeth has approximately 90 official shelters identified, incorporating schools and community centres as well as contingency shelters that are churches.

“Also, we will have to meet with [shelter managers] to get them in a state of readiness, just in case,” the mayor added.

Mayor of Black River and Chairman of the St. Elizabeth Municipal Corporation, Councillor Richard Solomon, addresses the Disaster Preparedness, Hazard Mitigation and Safety Committee on Tuesday, September 3. (Photo JIS/ Okoye Henry)

The tropical wave has the potential to develop into a tropical cyclone, according to the National Meteorological Service of Jamaica (Met Service).

The system comes during an already active 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season, which began on June 1, and follows in the wake of Hurricane Beryl, which unleashed torrential rains and gale force winds that impacted Jamaica as the centre of the Category Four cyclone coursed just south of the island on July 3.

For her part, Lewis indicated that efforts are being made to pre-position bedding, hygiene supplies and other essentials, which were recently donated, at key locations.

She said the goal is to ensure that all shelters are ready to accommodate residents if the tropical wave intensifies and causes significant disruptions.

“For the most part, each shelter in the parish has at least one manager per institution,” Lewis assured.

The forum featured councillors as well as representatives from the St Elizabeth Infirmary, Jamaica Constabulary Force, Jamaica Fire Brigade, Jamaica Public Service Company, National Water Commission, Social Development Commission, and St Elizabeth Health Department, among others.

— JIS