Remembering Hurricane Melissa: From the ODPEM Archives On this day October 26, 2025 As Hurricane Melissa approached Jamaica, the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) urged persons living in vulnerable areas to comply with mandatory evacuation orders and move to safer locations. The Honourable Desmond McKenzie, Minister of Local Government and Community Development, reinforced the call for residents to evacuate, reminding them to seek shelter in a safe place. Do not gamble with your life. Your safety comes first! When evacuation orders are issued, take them seriously. It is always better to be safe than sorry. #RememberingHurricaneMelissa #FromTheODPEMArchives #HurricaneMelissa #ODPEM #JamaicaPrepares #StaySafeJA

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Remembering Hurricane Melissa: From the ODPEM Archives On this Day, October 26, 2025 As Hurricane Melissa intensified, Jamaica remained under a Hurricane Warning, with the nation bracing for potentially catastrophic impacts. During a special briefing, Evan Thompson, Principal Director of the Meteorological Service of Jamaica, outlined the potential impacts of the approaching hurricane, using impact-based forecasting to highlight the risks facing communities across the island. These included torrential rainfall, catastrophic flooding, landslides, destructive winds, and storm surges. The forecast also warned of the potential destruction of homes, roofs being torn off, and trees and power lines being brought down. Through the ODPEM Archives, we reflect on the critical forecasts, warnings and preparedness efforts that informed Jamaica’s response to Hurricane Melissa. Remember the warnings. Respect the risks. Be prepared. #RememberingHurricaneMelissa #ODPEMArchives #HurricanePreparedness #JamaicaPrepares

Remembering Hurricane Melissa: From the ODPEM Archives 🌪️🇯🇲 As Hurricane Melissa approached Jamaica, the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) reinforced its call for persons living in vulnerable areas to comply with mandatory evacuation orders. The Honourable Desmond McKenzie, Minister of Local Government and Community Development, also urged residents to evacuate, reminding them that transportation assistance was available for those who needed it. Do not gamble with your life. Your safety comes first! #RememberingHurricaneMelissa #FromTheODPEMArchives #HurricaneMelissa #ODPEM #JamaicaPrepares #StaySafeJA

🇯🇲 Day 2 at the Home, Health & Garden Expo! The ODPEM team was on the ground at the National Arena, engaging with patrons and sharing valuable information on disaster preparedness. Together, we continue to promote safer homes, prepared families and a more disaster-resilient Jamaica! #ODPEM #JamaicaPrepares #DisasterPreparedness

REMEMBERING HURRICANE MELISSA | FROM THE ODPEM ARCHIVES As Hurricane Melissa intensified from a tropical storm to a Category 1 hurricane, the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), which at the time reported to the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development (MLGCD), activated the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) to coordinate Jamaica’s national preparedness and response efforts. All Parish Emergency Operations Centres and emergency shelters were also activated, while members of the National Response Team prepared to respond to incidents within their respective areas of responsibility. Ahead of the hurricane’s impact, the Honourable Desmond McKenzie, Minister of Local Government and Community Development, visited the NEOC to assess the state of the nation’s preparedness and review the measures in place to support an effective response. Through coordination, preparedness and timely action, we continue to work towards a safer, more disaster-resilient Jamaica. #HurricaneMelissa #FromTheODPEMArchives #ODPEM #JamaicaPrepares

🇯🇲 Remembering Hurricane Sandy On October 24, 2012, Hurricane Sandy made landfall in Jamaica, bringing destructive winds, heavy rainfall and flooding. As we reflect on the impact, we honour the lives affected and reaffirm our commitment to disaster preparedness and building a more resilient Jamaica. Remember. Reflect. Prepare. #RememberingSandy #DisasterPreparedness #ResilienceStartsAtHome #ODPEM

The ODPEM IS LIVE! 🇯🇲 We’re at the Home, Health & Garden Expo at the National Arena! Stop by the ODPEM booth to learn more about disaster preparedness and how you can take steps to protect your home, family and community. Let’s continue building a safer, more disaster-resilient Jamaica! 💪🏾🇯🇲 #ODPEM #JamaicaPrepares #DisasterPreparedness #ResilienceStartsAtHome

Remembering Hurricane Melissa: From The ODPEM ARCHIVES ON THIS DAY | OCTOBER 24, 2025 As Jamaica monitored the approach of Tropical Storm Melissa, a special press briefing was held to update the nation on the Government’s response and preparedness efforts. During the briefing, the Government announced that the Constituency Disaster Preparedness Allocation would be doubled from $200 million to $400 million to strengthen readiness efforts across the island. These included drain cleaning, clearing blocked waterways and preparing for heavy rainfall and possible flooding. The briefing underscored the importance of decisive action, early preparation and public awareness as Jamaica braced for the approaching storm. Preparedness saves lives. Stay informed, stay alert and stay ready, Jamaica! #OnThisDay #HurricaneMelissa #JamaicaPrepares #DisasterPreparedness #ODPEM #StayReadyJA

Remembering Melissa: From The ODPEM Archives ON THIS DAY | OCTOBER 24, 2025 As Tropical Storm Melissa intensified, the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), alongside several Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), provided comprehensive updates on the status of their preparations ahead of the approaching storm. The updates highlighted ongoing readiness efforts, response plans and coordinated actions to strengthen Jamaica’s preparedness for the potential impacts of the weather system. This collaboration underscored the importance of a coordinated national response, proactive planning and timely information-sharing to safeguard lives and protect communities. Preparedness is a shared responsibility. Stay informed, stay alert and stay ready, Jamaica! #OnThisDay #HurricaneMelissa #JamaicaPrepares #DisasterPreparedness #ODPEM #StayReadyJA

Stay alert. Stay safe. Be flood-ready! Flooding can happen quickly. Know your evacuation routes, avoid flooded roadways and waterways, secure important documents, and stay informed through official weather updates. Your safety matters! #FloodSafety #JamaicaPrepares #ODPEM #StayReadyJA

Stay alert and stay prepared!🌧 Flooding can happen quickly, so taking precautions before disaster strikes is essential. Protect yourself and your loved ones by staying informed, preparing ahead, and following official guidance. Your safety starts with preparation. #FloodSafety #ODPEM #JamaicaPrepares #StayReadyJA

FLASH FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT🌧 The Meteorological Service of Jamaica has issued a Flash Flood Watch for low-lying and flood-prone areas of St. Ann, St. Mary, Portland, St. Thomas, Kingston, St. Andrew, St. Catherine and Clarendon, effective until 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 25, 2026. ⚠️ Heavy rainfall can lead to flash flooding, rising rivers and dangerous road conditions. ✅ Stay tuned to official weather updates. ✅ Avoid walking or driving through floodwaters. ✅ Be prepared to move to higher ground if conditions worsen. ✅ Follow instructions from the relevant authorities. Your safety comes first. Stay alert, stay informed and take the necessary precautions. #ODPEM #FloodWatch #FloodSafety #JamaicaPrepares

📍 ON THIS DAY | OCTOBER 23, 2025 On October 23, 2025, Richard Thompson, Deputy Director General of the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), was serving as Acting Director General when he provided an update on the Agency’s preparations for Tropical Storm Melissa. Speaking at a special press briefing held at the Office of the Prime Minister, Thompson outlined ODPEM’s preparedness measures and ongoing efforts to support national readiness and coordinate Jamaica’s disaster response. As we reflect on this critical period, we are reminded of the importance of preparedness, coordination and collaboration in strengthening Jamaica’s resilience to natural hazards. #ODPEM #OnThisDay #TropicalStormMelissa #DisasterPreparedness #Jamaica 🇯🇲