Jamaica will soon receive disaster early warning system

   

Come June, the government of Jamaica is set to receive a wireless disaster communication system from Japan, just in time for start of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season.

 

The system will ensure swift and secure communication between critical agencies and vulnerable communities through a single communication network.

 

Desmond McKenzie, Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, says the project has already seen significant progress.

 

"Fifteen early warning siren towers were built at Port Maria in St. Mary, Old Harbour Bay, Angels to Bog Walk corridor in St. Catherine. This early warning system will transmit messages issued by ODPEM (the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management) to residents and commuters in these vulnerable communities. It will also facilitate evacuation training and simulation exercise in these communities," he disclosed. 

 

As a part of the project, Mr. McKenzie said, 292 mobile radios have been installed in emergency vehicles to ensure first responders are better able to coordinate emergency response activities. 

 

More than $2 billion have already been invested into the system.

 

Minister McKenzie also announced the establishment of a early warning flood system for Port Maria, St. Mary.

 

"This will be comprised of 10 siren towers that can automatically, manually operate; two auto weather stations and two rainfall intensity gauges in the watershed which will be linked to the sirens. Additionally, clear identifiably evacuation routes with appropriate signs will be developed to ensure rapid escape from flood-prone areas."

 

He said ODPEM will undertake a public education awareness campaign, while residents and business owners will be trained to manually operate the siren interpretation warning messages. 

 

Mr. McKenzie was speaking during the Sectoral Debate in Parliament on Tuesday afternoon.