WITH forecasts warning of unusual climatic conditions for Jamaica in the coming months, the Drought Management Committee has intensified preparedness efforts as the country braces for a challenging ‘multi-hazard’ year.

At its meeting on Tuesday the committee — chaired by Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Water, Environment and Climate Change Wayne Robertson — reviewed mitigation strategies, water supply resilience, and the growing impacts on vulnerable communities.

Robertson noted that the realities of climate variability demand that Jamaica strengthens resilience from all its national agencies.

“The work of the Drought Management Committee is critical to ensuring that our water resources, agricultural systems, emergency response mechanisms, and public awareness strategies are aligned to protect lives and livelihoods during this increasingly unpredictable period,” said Robertson.

Meteorological assessments presented at the meeting revealed that the country could face alternating periods of intense rainfall and severe dryness throughout the year, increasing the likelihood of flash flooding, prolonged dry periods, and higher temperatures and resulting in agricultural stress, water shortages, and bush fires.

Jacqueline Spence-Hemmings, manager for climate services at the Meteorological Service, stated that Jamaica is not simply preparing for drought alone but that the country is preparing for a complex climate scenario.

“Flooding, heat stress, extended dry periods, and greater frequency of bush fires may occur within the same season, and this requires greater public awareness, stronger inter-agency coordination, and proactive community action,” said Spence-Hemmings.

Meanwhile, the National Water Commission (NWC) reported that 27 water supply systems are currently being affected by drought conditions, impacting approximately 24,597 customers primarily across St Catherine, Clarendon, and the north-east region.

According to the NWC, mitigation measures include increased leak repairs, pressure management, regulated supply schedules, and expanded water trucking.

The Rural Water Supply Limited also outlined several interventions currently underway to improve water resilience in vulnerable communities.

These include the continued implementation of water shops in St James, repairs to several water systems across the island damaged by Hurricane Melissa last October, and the construction of 1,500-gallon wayside tanks in Hanover.

The Jamaica Fire Brigade reported 487 bush fires between January and March 2026 alone, and noted that approximately 80 per cent of forest and bush fires occur during dry seasons.

The brigade also pointed out that traditional slash-and-burn clearing becomes especially dangerous under drought conditions as fires can quickly spread beyond control.

Given the increased risk of fires spreading under current dry conditions, the public is advised that under the Country Fires Act, lighting fires outside of the strict stipulations of the act is illegal. Consequently, individuals are urged to refrain from engaging in unauthorised burning practices, including the improper disposal of flammable materials and unpermitted agricultural clearing.

Robertson pointed out that the Drought Management Committee is committed to continued monitoring, inter-agency collaboration, and timely public communication as Jamaica prepares for the months ahead.