Gareth Manning, Gleaner Writer
A JPS light pole falls across this Portland road during the passage of Hurricane Dennis last week. - RUDOLPH BROWN/CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
WITH HURRICANE Emily expected to come within close proximity of Jamaica by Saturday, utility companies are bracing for its impact.
Expected to develop into a serious Category three hurricane by Saturday, it is likely to have its major impact on the southern sections of the island with at least storm force winds.
The National Water Commission (NWC) says it has activated all its disaster preparedness committees to protect the company's resources.
Corporate Communications Manager, Charles Buchanan, says there are some challenges which the NWC may face as the hurricane nears Jamaica shores, however.
PIPES DAMAGED
"There are some systems that might be more vulnerable, particular in areas where rivers have changed their course," he says.
He notes that in St. Thomas, for instance, where the Yallahs River changed its course during the passage of Hurricane Dennis, and washed away sections of a bridge, pipes were exposed and damaged by uprooted trees and debris being carried away by the rushing waters.
"We're going full speed ahead (with preparedness plans). Emily should affect the restoration process but we're taking the
necessary steps to ensure water supply is not affected."
Cable and Wireless says it is also prepared for the onslaught of Emily, though the company's service is still vulnerable in some remote areas where standby generators were stolen and pole routes made inaccessible by landslides and overflowing rivers.
"Temporary service has been restored in most locations but the company must await completion of work by other agencies before more permanent repairs can be affected," the company said in release to The Gleaner. Eighty-nine roads had been blocked by land slippages and debris after Hurricane Dennis and 41 roads flooded, primarily in eastern parishes. The National Works Agency reports that most roads have been cleared.
Both Miphone and Digicel report that they have hardened their systems to better withstand a major storm.
PORTS OF ENTRY AND EXIT ALSO PREPARED
Paul Hall, senior vice-president at the Norman Manley International Airport, says the airport's emergency centre is fully operational and staff housed to deal with emergency matters.
Heavy duty equipment is in place to remove debris from roadways that provide access to the airport. High power generators are also available to provide power in cases of power outages and 195 gallons of water should water supply be affected by the hurricane.
Sixty thousand gallons of diesel has been put aside to supply fuel for generators and aircraft.
The Sangster International Airport says it is also prepared and only stands vulnerable to communication problems. But vice-president of operations, Curtis Grad, says the airport is doing what it can to ensure communication between staff is not jeopardised by the hurricane. He says the airport will be using both of the two main cellphone networks to stay in touch with staff.
Consumer goods in ports should also be safe if Emily strikes on Saturday.
Tony Allen, disaster preparedness coordinator at Kingston Wharves, says the port's equipment and goods have been fully secured.
He says most equipment have been bolted to the ground or placed in containers to prevent damage by wind and water. Perishable goods have also been placed in containers and stored in warehouses for protection.
Vulnerable areas of the port have been addressed in preparation for Emily. Allen says the port experienced some flooding during the passage of Dennis, but the problem has since been rectified by boring holes in some walls of the port to drain excess water.
The Financial Gleaner was unable to get a response from the Jamaica Public Service up to press time.
