Jamaica has been declared a disaster area amid the hurricane beryl approaching the island. This decision was declared by the Prime Minister of Jamaica, Andrew Holness, keeping in mind the safety and security of the residents.
The announcement was made on Tuesday evening, stating that this decision has been taken after the careful review of the path that is being followed by the storm, its strength and impact and the potential threats it can cause to the island nation.
“I am now declaring the whole of Jamaica to be a Disaster Area, in accordance with section 26 of the Disaster Risk Management Act, for the next seven days,” the PM Holness declared during the national broadcast.
Additionally, it has been stated that the measures will remain in force till July 10.
After the declaration made by the PM, the authorities have announced an island wide curfew. The curfew will be followed on July 3, Wednesday from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
The curfew has been imposed to keep a check on the safety of every resident while the Hurricane Beryl will pass through Jamaica.
Also, this curfew will help in preventing any sort of movement for the people that have intentions to carry out criminal activities on the island.
The order reveals that certain people are exempted, rest others should remain at the place of their residence or national shelters during the 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM time period.
The persons exempted are authorized officers, the governor-general, a member of either House of Parliament, mayors and councilors of municipal corporations, and permanent secretaries.
Prime Minster Holness also shared that an evacuation order is in currently in effect for the areas that are prone to floods and landslides, and advised the citizens living on the river shores to evacuate to shelter or safer place.
He also informed the residents that the government would make an order keeping in mind the gouging of prices of essential goods during this period of hardship.
The Prime Minister also urged the residents to remain calm and follow credible news sources.
