ODPEM places personnel on high alert

​​The Office of the Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) has placed its personnel on alert in light of the inclement weather across sections of the island.

The Meteorological Service has advised that sections of the country are experiencing increased rainfall, which is heavy in some areas, and thunderstorms which are associated with a Trough.

The rains are expected to last until Sunday evening.

ODPEM says it was prompted to put its personnel on standby in light of the impact on infrastructure of recent heavy rains.

The agency says all parishes have been urged to ensure that all emergency workers and disaster response officials and volunteers are placed on standby and monitor conditions on the ground as well as reports and updates of the Met Office and ODPEM. 

It has also advised municipal corporations, the National Works Agency, the police, the fire department, the Police, and the Jamaica Defense Force to ensure all emergency systems are alerted and placed on standby should the need arise.

The advisory also applies to the Health and Labour and Social Security ministries and the Jamaica Red Cross.