Ocho Rios gets ready for Hurricane Beryl

Businesses in Ocho Rios, St Ann today secured their establishments for the expected onslaught of Hurricane Beryl, which is projected to start impacting Jamaica Wednesday morning.

Along Main Street in the resort town, workmen were seen doing last minute drain cleaning, sometime after 5 p.m., to alleviate flooding.

Business owners taped the glass windows and doors on their premises, while some used ply board to cover the front of their establishments to minimise damage.

Sandbags were placed at several store fronts to keep flood water at bay. 

President of the St Ann Chamber of Commerce, Dr Ransford Davidson, has encouraged residents to remain safe and also urged businesses to activate their emergency preparedness plans.

“As we prepare for the possible arrival of a dangerous hurricane, our foremost concern is the safety and well-being of everyone in our community. The St Ann Chamber of Commerce strongly urge all businesses to activate their emergency preparedness and business continuity plans immediately,” Davidson said in a statement to The Gleaner.

Davidson said that by working together and staying vigilant, Jamaicans can weather the storm and recover swiftly.

- Carl Gilchrist

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