KINGSTON, Jamaica— The Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) on Monday convened a meeting of its Local Parish Disaster Inter-Agency Committee to provide an update on the preparedness and emergency response in light of the imminent threat of Tropical Depression #18.

The weather system is projected to cause heavy rainfall and gusty winds to southern and eastern parishes later Monday afternoon.

The meeting was attended by representatives from the National Water Commission, National Works Agency, Jamaica Public Service Company Limited, Jamaica Fire Brigade, Jamaica Urban Transit Company, National Solid Waste Management Authority and the Jamaica Constabulary Force.

The meeting sought to ascertain the level of readiness of all agencies to ensure the safety and protection of all residents in the municipality —especially the most vulnerable— should the tropical depression reach Jamaica’s shores.

“In the wake of reports that a tropical depression is moving towards eastern Jamaica, preparations to complete the necessary safety precautions will be the KSAMC’s main focus,” the municipal corporation said.

Chief Executive Officer at the KSAMC Robert H P Hill explained the need for the meeting which forms part of ongoing discussions and consultations with partners and stakeholders across the municipality.

“This morning’s meeting forms part of our usual coordinated response where we pull the relevant agencies together to ensure the most appropriate course of action for the safety of our residents,” Hill advised.

Kingston’s Mayor Councillor Andrew Swaby, also commented on the importance of this proactive approach taken by the council.

“As usual we have to be proactive and prepared; we want to ensure that our residents are prepared and up to date and listen to the advisories. I want to ensure that our agencies continue to work in partnership with each other, public spaces and business places are protected and that all our residents remain safe,” the mayor said.

Generally, all agency partners have effected their respective disaster risk mechanisms which include mobilisation of their teams, clearing of debris and strategic positioning of equipment such as tractors and bulldozers in high risk areas among other disaster mitigation efforts, the KSAMC said.

The KSAMC’s Emergency Operation Centre located at 65 Hanover Street, Kingston which manages all emergency shelters across Kingston and St Andrew, has also been activated.

Additionally, the Council’s Poor Relief Department has commenced plans for safe haven of persons experiencing homelessness and other vulnerable groups.

Fisherfolk and other marine interests as well as persons residing in flood-prone areas are being urged to obey warnings and other safety precautionary guidelines from the Met Office and other agencies.