Robert Hart, Staff Reporter
A view of the Hope River in eastern St. Andrew and the houses that were in danger of being washed away during Hurricane Dennis which affected the island last week Thursday. With the approach of Hurricane Emily, which is expected to affect the island by Saturday, Prime Minister P.J. Patterson has put in place an evacuation plan which could see residents of flood-prone areas being relocated. - RICARDO MAKYN/STAFF PHOTGRAPHER
JAMAICA WAS yesterday placed under a hurricane watch for the second time in a week, as Hurricane Emily, the second major system of the season, threatens the island.
Prime Minister P. J. Patterson yesterday ordered the relevant ministries to immediately draw up a detailed evacuation plan for residents living in communities likely to be devastated should the hurricane hit.
"The evacuation may start by the latest (this) morning if the hurricane continues along its present path," a statement from the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) said.
The Prime Minister said those in flood-prone areas should be prepared for significant evacuation, and that public transportation would be utilised to move persons.
He said identified facilities would be used as temporary locations for accommodation.
"The country will be advised of the places and transportation arrangements as soon as the ministries (of local government, land and environment, and transport and works) complete the plan," the OPM statement said.
Mr. Patterson gave the instructions at an emergency meeting of the National Disaster Committee at Jamaica House yesterday afternoon.
PUBLIC WARNED
Yesterday, the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) warned the public to take precautions to protect life and property. Organisations were advised to activate their disaster plans.
"As the nation prepares for 'Emily', the National Response Team is still on full alert. Fishermen on the cays and banks, especially on the Morant and Pedro Cays, are advised to evacuate immediately and start returning to the mainland," the ODPEM said.
The bands of showers, thunderstorms and gusty winds associated with Hurricane Emily, extend over 500 km from the centre and could begin to affect Jamaica's weather as early as this afternoon.
"These are expected to start over southern and eastern parishes and could produce flash-flooding," the Meteorological Service said.
Up to yesterday afternoon, the system had maximum sustained winds near 185 km/h with higher gusts, making it a Category Three hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson scale.
"Small craft operators in coastal waters are advised to return to port and those in port are urged not to venture out," the Met Office said.
