WATCH: #EyeOnMelissa: Warning System triggered in St Catherine
ST CATHERINE, Jamaica — The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Early Warning System stationed in the Old Harbour Bay community was triggered, prompting an evacuation message around 2:43 pm Sunday.
The activation was prompted by rising sea levels currently affecting the area as a result of Hurricane Melissa.
Reports indicate that the rising waters have flooded several households, roadways, and sections of the fishing village.
The JICA system was handed over to the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) in 2024 as part of the Emergency Communications System Improvement Project in Jamaica, and transmits ODPEM messages.
Melissa is forecast to bring intense rains and wind with the possibility of life-threatening storm surge.
The situation is being closely monitored by the Parish Disaster Management team.
