By Roy Sanford, Staff Reporter

WESTERN BUREAU:

RESIDENTS OF several flood-prone areas in western Jamaica have been advised to be on standby to be evacuated if necessary, as authorities get ready for Hurricane Ivan.

In St. James the targeted areas are Catherine Hall, Bogue Village, Greenwood, Cambridge, Dumfries, Maroon Town, in particular the Vaughnsfield Housing Scheme, and areas of downtown Montego Bay.

The St. James Parish Council has activated five new emergency phone lines and several emergency shelters have been identified and put on full alert and an evacuation plan has been put in place at the St. James Infirmary.

Residents of these areas and other areas of the parish have been asked to be in contact with the St. James Parish Council's emergency operation centre by calling 940-5299 or 971-9060. The council is also appealing for volunteers to assist in clean-up operations if necessary, according to Ian Reid, secretary/manager of the council.

HARD HIT

In St. Elizabeth, hard hit by Hurricane Charley which affected the island three weeks ago, trucks are on standby in several communities, including Bigwoods, Treasure Beach and New River, in case residents have to be evacuated.

Mayor of Black River Franklin Whitter said that heavy equipment, supplied by the National Works Agency, are on standby at various points to assist in clearing roads. He said that two emergency centres have been set up at the St. Elizabeth Parish Council and the Black River Primary School.

In Hanover an emergency centre has been set up and will be operating out of the Lucea Town Hall. Anyone seeking assistance from the Hanover Parish Council before or after the storm is asked to call 956-2173.

In Westmoreland, Mayor of Savanna-la-mar, Delford Morgan said that all emergency systems have been put on full alert. Anyone in the parish seeking assistance is asked to call 955-2647.

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