TS Noel - Jamaica - Cruise Line Fans: Cruise Forum, Reviews and Chat From Real Cruisers

canarymoon · 11-01-2007, 07:59 PM

this thread is for reports of the effects of Tropical Storm Noel on Jamaica, its people, and ports.

canarymoon · 11-01-2007, 08:00 PM

This is a report that Noel has killed one person in Jamaica.

canarymoon · 11-01-2007, 08:02 PM

Tropical Storm Noel - Situation Report #1
Message: Tropical Storm Noel impacting the Bahamas
THE EVENT:
Tropical Storm Noel began affecting the Bahamas from Tuesday October 30. the system also affected the CDERA Participating States of Jamaica and Turks and Caicos over the last few days. Severe damage and flooding and loss of life were reported in Haiti and the Dominican Republic.

A Hurricane Watch remains in effect for the northwestern Bahamas and a tropical storm and a Tropical Storm Warning remains in effect for the central and northwestern Bahamas.

As of 2.00pm EDT, the centre of Noel was 25.0 north longitude and 77.4 west or near Nassau in the Bahamas. Maximum sustained winds are near 65mph (95(km/hr) and some additional strengthening is forecast for later today. Tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 115miles (185km).

THE SITUATION –JAMAICA
The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) has reported that Jamaica was affected by heavy rains as a result of the surface trough associated with Tropical Storm Noel. The flash flood warning for low–lying and flood prone areas of the eastern parishes of Jamaica including St Mary, Portland, St Thomas, Kingston and Saint Andrew (KSA) was discontinued at 5 a.m today, November 1. Damage reported was mainly to roadways as a result of the heavy rains

Roads
Two roadways in St. Andrew were reported impassable due to landslides. Clearance of the roadways has commenced

Shelters
There have been no reports of any shelters opened as a consequence of the heavy rains.

REGIONAL RESPONSE:
The CDERA Coordinating Unit is therefore placing the Regional Response Mechanism on Standby.

The CDERA Coordinating Unit continues to monitor the impact and threat of Tropical Storm Noel and stands ready to provide assistance if warranted.

canarymoon · 11-01-2007, 08:09 PM

ISSUED ON: Thursday, November 01, 2007 at 3:45 p.m.

Flash Flood Warning Extended to all Parishes of Jamaica

The Meteorological Service has advised the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) that the Flash Flood Warning has been extended to all parishes across Jamaica until 5:00 p.m. today. A Flash Flood Warning means that flooding has been reported or will occur shortly.

As heavy rains, caused by spiral bands and a trough associated with Tropical Storm Noel, now located north of Cuba, continue to lash the island, the ODPEM has received the following reports:

St Andrew

A landslide currently blocks the Gordon Town main road. The alternative route is also impassable.

§ Residents of the Kintyre community are marooned as the bridge leading out of the community has collapsed. The alternative route via Gordon Town Road is also blocked by a landslide.
§ The community of Irish Town is marooned as a result of landslides along the main roadway within the surrounding communities of Junapahill and Windsor.
§ Landslide and flooding has occurred in the community of Harbour View, specifically along Harbour Drive.
§ Landslides have occurred along the Bloxburgh road in the vicinity of Bito and Alderstad

Clarendon

§ ClarendonPark, in the vicinity of the JuiciPattyRestaurant, is now inundated with water. Motorists and pedestrians are advised to exercise caution when traveling along this area.
St Elizabeth

§ The Pepper main road is impassable due to inundation of the roadway.

The National Works Agency (NWA) has been contacted concerning the various affected roadways.

Shelters

§ The Tavern Community Centre in St. Andrew is reportedly open and is currently sheltering three persons: two adults and one child from the communities of Tavern and MudTown.

The public is advised to continue monitoring the radio for further advisories and to avoid areas that are at risk from flooding and landslides. Also take the following precautions:

§ Be ready to evacuate if you live in low-lying or flood-prone areas. Decide on likely evacuation routes now. Plan to stay with family or friends in safer areas or in a public shelter and move to safety.
§ Avoid flooded waterways, gullies, streams or rivers, either on foot or in vehicles.
§ Move your refrigerator, stove and furniture to a higher floor, or place them on building blocks and secure to the wall.
§ Do not walk outside barefooted during or after the flood event.
§ Bury all dead animals right after flooding has subsided.

Fishers and other marine interests must exercise caution due to rough sea conditions in the vicinity of showers and thunderstorms, especially over southern waters.

The Meteorological Service and ODPEM will continue to monitor the situation and further updates will be provided as the situation demands.

canarymoon · 11-03-2007, 11:56 AM

NEWS RELEASE #9

ISSUED ON: Friday, November 2, 2007 at 4:15 p.m.

Bog Walk Gorge Remains Closed – Food Airlifts Organized for Several Communities

The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) has been advised that the water level in the Bog Walk Gorge is rising and going onto the road. Motorists are reminded to use the alternative routes: Sligoville and Barry.

THE PUBLIC IS BEING URGED TO AVOID THIS POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS AREA.

Other reports coming into the ODPEM:

§ A section of Benny Pen, a tributary of the WagWaterRiver in the vicinity of Temple Hall, has broken away. Residents in the houses along the river are being advised to evacuate to safer areas.

§ The bridge at Roberts Field in Mavis Bank, St. Andrew is inundated. The KSAC is presently clearing the debris to facilitate access to the community.

§ The fording at Georgia, St. Thomas, is partially cut off. The ODPEM prefer if motorists do not travel via this route. However, motorists who need to access this area are advised to proceed with caution.

§ Two food airlifts are scheduled for later today:
1. Airlift at Mount Vernon: to provide food for the communities of Mount Vernon, Moffat and Jones Pen.

2. Airlift at JohnsonMountain: to provide food for the communities of JohnsonMountain and Spring Back.

§ There is currently no access to Portland from St. Thomas via the Hordley Crossing.

The public is advised to continue monitoring the radio for further advisories and to avoid areas that are at risk from flooding and landslides. Also take the following precautions:

§ Be ready to evacuate if you live in low-lying or flood-prone areas. Decide on likely evacuation routes now. Plan to stay with family or friends in safer areas or in a public shelter and move to safety.
§ Avoid flooded waterways, gullies, streams or rivers, either on foot or in vehicles.
§ Move your refrigerator, stove and furniture to a higher floor, or place them on building blocks and secure to the wall.
§ Do not walk outside barefooted during or after the flood event.
§ Bury all dead animals right after flooding has subsided.

The Meteorological Service and ODPEM will continue to monitor the situation and further updates will be provided as the situation demands.