National Emergency Centre to be activated Friday as Hurricane Matthew heads towards Jamaica

The National Emergency Operations Centre is to be activated Friday as Jamaica prepares for the passage of Hurricane Matthew.

Matthew formed into a hurricane over the eastern Caribbean Sea Thursday afternoon prompting Prime Minister Andrew Holness to call an emergency meeting at Jamaica House with all members of parliament and heads of key agencies.

Information Minister Ruel  Reid told The Gleaner the Prime Minister has ordered that the national emergency systems be activated.

According to him, Jamaica is prepared and the emergency system will coordinate all response efforts.

Evan Thompson, head of the National Meteorological Service said by Monday Matthew is to pass over the Windward Passage which is between Jamaica and Haiti.

He said up to eight inches rain is to be expected.