KINGSTON, Jamaica — Three people have died and 13 others have been injured in hurricane preparations as deteriorating weather conditions affect the island.

The update was provided by Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr Christopher Tufton during a special media briefing at the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) on Monday evening.

Tufton revealed that the deaths occurred while the individuals were preparing for Hurricane Melissa. They are from St Elizabeth, St Catherine and Hanover.

In one case, a health worker was killed when a tree fell on him while he was making storm preparations in St Elizabeth. Dr Tufton said the individual was airlifted to the University Hospital of the West Indies, where he succumbed to his injuries.

Likewise, in Hanover, another person died due to a fallen tree. And, in St Catherine, a man was electrocuted while cutting down trees.

The minister said 13 other injuries linked to storm preparations, including ladders and people falling from roofs, were also reported.

Dr Tufton expressed sadness over the storm-related deaths.

“Condolences to the family members who lost loved ones,” he said, adding that the health system would provide the necessary support for those individuals.

“We understand the need to prepare but we urge extreme caution in that preparation. If you need help, call for help but be careful to protect yourself during the preparation because already we are seeing the tragedy of lives,” Tufton said.