Preparation saves St James from disaster

Richard Morais, Gleaner Writer



From all accounts, the St James Parish Council was ready for Tropical Storm Gustav, which made landfall in Jamaica yesterday afternoon.



Despite concerns raised earlier in the year by disaster preparedness coordinator, Amanda Thompson, about citizens continuously dumping garbage in drains after they have been cleaned; the flood-prone areas were clear, allowing for the free flow of traffic in the city.



From as early as 8 am on Friday, municipal police were on patrol in the town. In addition, a truck was seen collecting debris around the parish.



It is said that Red Cross volunteers were busy walking the streets after the worst of the storm had passed.



Community Relations Officer for the National Works Agency Janel Ricketts told The Gleaner that for the most part there were no problems in Montego Bay.



“The heavy rains that have been experienced in Montego Bay, I have not heard any reports of that here,” she said.



She explained that several roads in Hanover and Westmoreland had been blocked, including the road from Flint River to Cascade, Harvey River to Askenish, and Whithorn to Darliston.



Ricketts, however, said that teams had been mobilised to clear the roadways as soon as possible. She also mentioned that there were a few roads, inundated with water.



Up to 1 p.m., most places in Montego Bay were without electricity.