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All citizens, especially young persons, are urged to remain indoors during the passage of Hurricane Melissa, a powerful Category Five system expected to move over Jamaica on Tuesday (October 28). Minister of Energy, Telecommunications and Transport, Hon. Daryl Vaz, made the appeal during Monday’s (October 27) joint utility media briefing at the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) head office in New Kingston. He noted that many young Jamaicans have never experienced a hurricane of this magnitude and may underestimate the dangers it poses. “The last major hurricane of this magnitude was Gilbert, 37 years ago. So you have a large population that has never experienced a Category Four or Five [hurricane]. The eye of the hurricane brings a lull in wind and rain, and it’s dangerous,” Minister Vaz said. He pointed out that during the onset of the hurricane’s eye, individuals may mistakenly believe the system has passed and venture outside to check on their homes or loved ones. However, he strongly advises them to remain indoors, as the hurricane’s winds will return with full force. “You will be caught off guard; that is where many lives have been lost in previous hurricanes. So, again, I am making an appeal to those younger persons, remain indoors until such time as the hurricane has passed. If you get caught in the eye, you are in danger of injury or death,” Mr. Vaz emphasised. Citizens are also being urged to stay informed through official sources, including the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), the Meteorological Service of Jamaica (Met Service), the Jamaica Information Service (JIS), and other Government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies.
