Jamaica Prepares for Hurricane Beryl's Passage

Jamaica is bracing for the arrival of Hurricane Beryl, which is forecast to pass over or near the island on Wednesday. The government has announced the closure of all non-essential offices, and citizens are urged to prepare for life-threatening winds and storm surge. Beryl has already caused at least four deaths in St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Grenada. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) is monitoring the storm's movement, which is expected to bring heavy rainfall and flooding to the island.

Key Takeaways:

• The government has closed all non-essential offices, except those providing essential services, in preparation for Hurricane Beryl.
• Beryl has caused at least four deaths in St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Grenada.
• The National Hurricane Center (NHC) forecasts Beryl to pass near Jamaica on Wednesday and the Cayman Islands on Thursday.
• Aquaculture sector stakeholders are urged to protect their fish farms from flooding, with the NFA's Regional Aquaculture Extension Officer, Clive Williams, advising on measures to prevent blockages in pond drains.
• The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Mining has mobilized a hurricane response team to support farmers, fishers, and mining stakeholders.
• The National Water Commission (NWC) is adjusting regulated water schedules to facilitate storage in preparation for the hurricane.
• Minister without Portfolio Matthew Samuda confirmed the changes to the water supply schedules to ensure citizens can fill their tanks and prepare for potential disruptions.
• Science, Energy, Telecommunications and Transport Minister Daryl Vaz has assured that telecommunications companies, Flow and Digicel, have emergency plans in place, and that Starlink will provide additional coverage.
• The Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) has provided an emergency plan, and Petrojam Limited has two weeks' worth of energy supply stockpiled.
• The Brazilian-based Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) has closed its Western Zone Office in Jamaica due to the hurricane warning.

Statistics:

• Beryl is approximately 555 miles east-southeast of the capital Kingston.
• The storm is moving west-northwestward at 22 mph.
• The National Water Commission (NWC) will adjust regulated water schedules to facilitate storage in preparation for the hurricane.
• The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Mining has mobilized a hurricane response team to support approximately X number of farmers, fishers, and mining stakeholders.
• The Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) has an emergency plan in place.
• Petrojam Limited has two weeks' worth of energy supply stockpiled.

Sources:

• National Hurricane Center (NHC)
• The Government of Jamaica
• Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Mining
• National Water Commission (NWC)
• Flow and Digicel telecommunications companies
• Starlink
• Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS)
• Petrojam Limited
• Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC)