KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Government has increased its allocation for constituency-level disaster preparedness from $200 million to $400 million as part of heightened measures to respond to the threat posed by Tropical Storm Melissa.

Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Infrastructure Development, Robert Morgan, said the decision follows a directive from Prime Minister Andrew Holness, to intensify national readiness and flood mitigation efforts ahead of the storm’s approach.

According to the Meteorological Service of Jamaica, Tropical Storm Melissa remains nearly stationary to the southeast of the island and is forecast to strengthen into a hurricane by the weekend.

The system is expected to produce 200–350 millimetres (eight–14 inches) of rainfall, particularly in eastern parishes, with the likelihood of widespread flooding and landslides.

“This proactive step will ensure that constituencies can scale up readiness activities to protect lives, property and infrastructure before the storm’s impact,” Morgan said of the increase.

The funds are being deployed through the National Works Agency (NWA) to constituencies islandwide, enabling Members of Parliament and local teams to carry out urgent pre-impact works in vulnerable areas.

Morgan noted that all constituencies are expected to be in a heightened state of readiness, with resources already being channelled through the NWA for immediate execution of critical activities such as drain cleaning, de-bushing and the clearing of blocked roadways.

“Preparedness saves lives,” the minister said. “We are acting decisively to ensure Jamaica is ready, but we urge citizens to stay alert, avoid flooded areas and follow the guidance of the authorities.”