Fellowship gets flood warning equipment

FELLOWSHIP, PORTLAND:

Some 2,000 residents living in the flood-prone area of Fellowship and other adjoining communities will benefit from the installation of a comprehensive flood warning system, which will assist with managing potential water-related disasters.

The early warning equipment, which also collects data and sends out signal, was handed over during a ceremony at the Fellowship Baptist Church, in the Rio Grande valley of Portland last week Wednesday.

Acting Country Representative, United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Rebecca Robinson, pointed out that Jamaica, based on its geographical location is vulnerable to flooding, which oftentimes affects or disrupt the lives and property of citizens located near rivers along with those living in areas prone to flooding.

"The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management highlights that thousands of Jamaican homes are either located near rivers or on lands prone to flooding," Robinson.

She added: "Considering the country's geographical vulnerability, it also puts Jamaica in a precarious position when it comes to managing flood risk. But with the newly installed equipment, it will increase the capability to monitor, analyse, and forecast flood hazards to greatly improve the community and the overall response of monitoring floods. The USAID remains committed to assisting vulnerable communities to adapt to the changes in flood prone areas."

Data have shown that the community of Fellowship and its environs is vulnerable to flooding caused by several factors, including high stream and rivers overflowing their banks during heavy rainfall, blockage of river course, and waterways that are blocked by debris from landslide.

Among the communities, which will benefit from the early flood warning system are, Berrydale, Cooper's Hill, Hooper Hill, Stanton Harcourt, Newington, Windsor, Seaman's Valley, Alligator Church, and Fellowship.

A grant assistance of US$45,000 provided by the USAID-funded Ja REEACH II project has enabled the installation of the early warning system. The equipment has been installed at strategic sections throughout the mid-Rio Grande Valley through a partnership with the Water Resources Authority (WRA).

The WRA is currently collecting real time rainfall and river flow data for developing a flood prediction model for the Rio Grande Valley.