Jamaica - Hurricane Dean Post

[Xavier]

Re: Jamaica - Hurricane Dean Post

OFFICE OF DISASTER PREPAREDNESS AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

NEWS RELEASE #29
ISSUED ON: Wednesday, August 29, 2007 at 10:00 a.m.
Assessments of Impact of Hurricane Dean on Jamaica Continues

Affected Communities

The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) is reporting that a total of 169 communities in 12 parishes have been affected by the passage of Hurricane Dean.

The most severely impacted parishes and communities are:

- Kingston & St. Andrew: Bull Bay, Caribbean Terrace
- St. Catherine: Old Harbour Bay
- Clarendon: Rocky Point and Portland Cottage
- St Elizabeth: the Southern belt
- Manchester: the southern sections including Cross, Keys, Prattville and Alligator Pond

Actions Taken up to Tuesday, August 28, 2007

National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) Management

- The NEOC continues to be activated and periodic parish updates are collected.
Welfare

- The monitoring of shelters and feeding of shelter occupants continues.
- Food distribution to St. Thomas has been done, totaling 300 packages.
- The Ministry of Labour and Social Security (MLSS) assessed a total of 19,240 persons.
- Over 500 food packages have been distributed to Old Harbour Bay.
- The Jamaica Red Cross (JRC) distributed 150 tarpaulins and 300 hygiene kits to Old Harbour Bay CDA.

Damage Assessment

- Sectoral assessments are ongoing.
- The National Response Team (NRT) met to discuss the country’s current status, damage assessment, challenges/gaps and the way forward.

Overseas Assistance

- A flight from Cayman came in the island with relief supplies on August 28, 2007.
- A team was deployed to the Port to facilitate relief clearance.

Water Distribution

- Six water tanks have been distributed to St. Elizabeth: Lovers Leap, Carlysle and Retreat.

Actions to be Taken

- Continuation of damage assessment activities.
- Servicing of shelters with welfare items and water supply.
- Relief distribution for shelters that remain open.
- Establishment of additional water distribution stations.
- Establishment of additional emergency bathroom facilities in Old Harbour Bay.
- Continued water distribution to affected communities pending restoration of regular water supply.
- Management of relief clearance.
- Kingston and St. Andrew to receive 12 water distribution stations from OXFAM International.
- The communities of Taylors Lands, Ten Miles and Eight Miles to receive four water distribution stations from OXFAM International.
- The communities of Llandewey, Dalvey and Morant Bay to receive four water distribution stations.
- Food to be delivered to Manchioneal and other communities in Portland.

The ODPEM will continue to keep the country informed as the post-Hurricane Dean reconstruction and relief efforts continue.

[Xavier]

Jamaica - Hurricane Dean Hurricane relief donations

The Honorable Consul General's office in Miami, has established a hurricane relief account through the HSBC Bank. This account number for interested persons is, #389076767. he account may be used anywhere where there is access to the HSBC banking system by persons or organizations that wish to donate money towards the hurricane relief effort. Please make your donations today.

A map with HSBC locations in USA.

[Xavier]

Re: Jamaica - Hurricane Dean Hurricane relief donations

Food For the Poor - Help the victims of Hurricane Dean




In Bull Bay, Jamaica, just outside of Kingston, Hurricane Dean inflicted heavy damages. Residents say the storm surge reached 20 feet or more. Houses were badly damaged and some were completely washed away. Food For The Poor is responding to bring aid to those most in need. The people of Jamaica urgently need your help.

Comfort, give comfort to My people, says your God." (Isaiah 40:1)

Emergency aid is needed immediately for victims of Hurricane Dean in the Caribbean. Thousands have been left homeless and hungry.

The situation is critical. Food For The Poor needs your help today to send emergency relief supplies to the Caribbean. Hurricane Dean battered several countries, killing at least ten people, flooding homes, destroying buildings and leaving thousands stranded in Jamaica, Dominica, the Dominican Republic, St. Lucia and Haiti. Requests for emergency relief supplies have poured in from numerous agencies, begging Food For The Poor for help.

Susan James, a Food For The Poor staff member on site in Jamaica, said that current reports show that the condition of Portland Cottage, which suffered the closest brush with Hurricane Dean, is "worse than after Hurricane Ivan, and Ivan was horrible. They're going to need water desperately. Everything they own is gone. The water was higher than in Hurricane Ivan. About three-quarters of the village is gone."

Food For The Poor needs to ship 5.5 million pounds of food, water, roofing materials, tarps and other emergency supplies to the countries hit hardest by Dean.

"Roofs were ripped off homes," said Robin Mahfood, president of Food For The Poor. "The poor have lost all their belongings, and people fled for their lives. This hurricane has affected many of the countries we serve. So many countries are in dire need of emergency supplies."

Our suffering brothers and sisters have few resources available to them. Many are stranded without food or water. Food For The Poor is one of the few agencies they can rely upon for disaster relief. Our dedicated staff in Jamaica, some of whom lost their own homes in the devastation, are ready to help those in need. They are deeply worried about the suffering poor.

During this crisis, destitute families suffer the most. Every dollar you give to help is a blessing to those in desperate need. We need your support to immediately deliver and distribute emergency relief supplies to those most in need. Please, send a gift today by clicking the link below.

Donate Here

[evanovitch]

the PM is currently addressing the nation...u can hear it on

Power 106

[Xavier]

Hurricane Dean Jamaica

OFFICE OF DISASTER PREPAREDNESS AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

NEWS RELEASE #30
ISSUED ON: Wednesday, August 29, 2007 at 8:00 p.m.
UPDATE ON POPULATED SHELTERS ACROSS JAMAICA

The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) is reporting that the number of open shelters across the island has declined to 26, housing some 570 persons. Kingston and St. Andrew (KSA) and Clarendon have the largest number of “shelterees”. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of the locations of all activated shelters and their populations to date:

Parish - Name of Shelter - Number of Persons

St. Thomas
- Grants Pen Primary - 12
- Yallahs Primary - 45

St. Elizabeth
- Salvation Army Church Great Bay - 1
- Corsham SDA Church - 4
- Mr Staples House - 5
- Top Hill Primary - 4
- Ballards Valley SDA Church - 1

St. Catherine - Old Harbour Bay Community Centre - 23
- Sweet Sop Lane - 9
- Marchpen Road - 3

Clarendon - Wesleyian Holiness Church (Rocky Point) - 36
- Portland Cottage Primary - 30
- Mitchell Town Primary - 20

Portland - Manchoniel All Age - 24
- Mount Pleasant City Mission - 6

Manchester - Comfort Basic - 7
- Summerset All Age - 10
- Blue Mountain Community Centre - 5
- Marlie Hill Primary - 13
- Grove Place Community Centre - 12

KSA - Friendship Brook All Age - 9
- Jacks Hill Community Centre - 17
- Long Mountain - 150
- Jacques Road - 120
- St. Martin de Porres - 2
- Golden Spring Community College - 2

TOTAL - 26 Shelters - 570

The public is reminded that, under the National Shelter Programme, government-owned schools are designated as shelters.

The following items can be taken to a shelter: blankets; flashlights and extra batteries; extra clothing; medication; 24 hours supply of non-perishable food and water – do not forget to take with you a can opener; toiletries such as soap, toilet tissue and sanitary napkins; infant necessities such as diapers and baby food; disposable cups, plates and forks; a portable radio and batteries; and a First Aid Kit.

The ODPEM will keep the country informed as the post-Hurricane Dean recovery and relief efforts continue.

[Xavier]

Re: Hurricane Dean Jamaica


OFFICE OF DISASTER PREPAREDNESS AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

NEWS RELEASE #31
ISSUED ON: Wednesday, August 29, 2007 at 8:00 p.m.
Update on Damage Assessments of Jamaica’s Critical Facilities Post-Hurricane Dean

The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) is reporting the following damage assessments of the island’s critical facilities:

Health

The Ministry of Health’s National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) continues to direct and coordinate the health sector’s post-Hurricane Dean activities. The main objectives continue to be:

1. Restoration of health service delivery to normal levels
2. Maintaining the health status of Jamaicans and all other persons resident in the island.
3. Prevention and control of disease outbreaks.

The priority programmes and activities continue to be:

1. Health education, including at the community level
2. Environmental health, to include
a. Water quality monitoring
b. Food safety
c. Vector control
d. Environmental sanitation
3. Primary and secondary care services
4. Epidemiological surveillance
5. Management of vulnerable groups for health
6. Damage and needs assessments
7. Management of donations and relief supplies

Health Damage Assessment

Based on updated preliminary estimates, some 112 health facilities suffered damages caused by Hurricane Dean, estimated at J$168.4 million (US$2.4 million).

The table below summarizes the total estimates.

Facility: Hospitals and Other Facilities | Numbers Damaged 29 Estimated Cost J$$58,186,000.0 Estimated Cost US$$835,285.67

Facility:Health Centres | Numbers Damaged 77 Estimated Cost J$$62,774,000.0 Estimated Cost US$$908,320.07

Facility:Residential Child Care Facilities (Government Owned) | Numbers Damaged 6 Estimated Cost J$$47,111,450.0 Estimated Cost US$$681,687.89

TOTAL 112 Estimated Cost J$$168,071,450.00 Estimated Cost US$$2,425,293.63

Power has been restored to 133 health centres while 28 health centres continue to function on generator.

Water Supply

The National Water Commission (NWC) is reporting that it is operating at 92% of its normal production capacity. The Commission is also reporting that the greater Mandeville water supply is back on track. This system is electricity-dependent and, with the restoration of power, water has been restored to the area.

Electricity

As at August 29, 2007, the Jamaica Public Service (JPS) reported that power had been restored to 85% of its customers. Despite the heavy rains and thunderstorms over the past 48 hours, JPS completed restoration work in several parishes.

The ODPEM will continue keep the country informed as the post-Hurricane Dean recovery and relief efforts unfold.

[turtledude]

Re: Hurricane Dean Jamaica

got this announcement in an e-mail this morning:

<span style="color: #3366FF"> Western Union and Grace Kennedy applaud the Jamaican people's spirit and resilience during the recent onslaught of Hurricane Dean.

Immediately prior to and after the passing of Hurricane Dean, Western Union worked diligently to keep our Agent locations open as long as possible to enable Jamaicans everywhere to send money to their loved ones during and after the Hurricane. We are pleased to inform you that our network of Agent locations is now fully up and running island wide and ready to serve you and your loved ones, including in those parishes hardest hit by the hurricane - St. Catherine, Clarendon, and St. Thomas.

For those Jamaicans who still need more of their basic needs met, Grace Kennedy, Western Union and The Western Union Foundation has donated a combined US$195,000 - the equivalent of JA$13,500,000 to the United Way and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. These donations are benefiting those most affected by the hurricane with relief in the form of food and building materials.

Western Union and Grace Kennedy are proud to help get Jamaica back on track. We wish Jamaica a speedy recovery from Hurricane Dean and thank you for your loyalty to Western Union.</span>

[Xavier]

Re: Hurricane Dean Jamaica - Help in the Relief Effort

Source: http://www.miamiherald.com/466/story/219576.html

Cash wanted to aid Jamaican storm victims
Posted on Wed, Aug. 29, 2007
BY NATALIE P. McNEAL
[email protected]

A week and a half after Hurricane Dean pummeled Jamaica's southern countryside, South Florida leaders are still organizing relief shipments to the island, but they're asking that future donors consider giving cash, not canned goods.

Locals have filled baskets and boxes with donated flashlights, diapers, tinned tuna and construction materials. Relief organizers say they are grappling with the best way to get the many packages out of churches, government centers and civic headquarters to Jamaica.

''The middle gap from drop-off to packaging for shipment is the challenging point,'' said Barron Channer, a board member of Jamaican Diaspora Southern United States, an expatriate group that aids the island. ``It's the final leg we are closing in on.''

Channer's group, working with the Jamaican Consulate General in Miami, helped to organize dozens of dropoff points, many in Miami-Dade and Broward. A few freight companies have agreed to store the goods, but his group is still arranging shipments.

Channer hopes to have all the goods shipped within two weeks.

Food for the Poor, a charity based in Coconut Creek, has delivered 120 containers of food and emergency relief supplies to the hard-hit Portland Cottage area, but still prefers to receive cash.

Disaster consultants agree.

Too often, donated medicine is expired, used clothes are soiled and canned goods recalled or dented, said Suzanne Brooks, director of the Center for International Disaster Information, a nonprofit resource group that aids disaster areas. It is a part of the United States Agency for International Development.

It's expensive to warehouse goods as they wait for shipping, and hard to find people to tote the goods to the warehouses, Brooks said.

Brooks points to relief efforts following Hurricane Gilbert, the 1988 storm that caused $5.5 billion worth of damage in the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico. Television images of washed-out homes and ravaged buildings spurred caring folks to donate tons of food and clothing.

Three hundred containers were sent to Jamaica with no arrangements to have the goods picked up. And 40 percent of the donated clothes had to be burned because they were soiled, or simply of no use, like winter coats.

''Our hardest problem is Miami,'' Brooks said. ``There are so many immigrant groups who have close ties to home and want to help out, but they need to know the best way how.''

Food for the Poor spokeswoman Ann Briere said they can make the best use of cash.

``We have relationships with businesses to get the best items, and we are on the ground so we know exactly what people need.''

[Xavier]

Re: Hurricane Dean Jamaica - Help in the Relief Effort

OFFICE OF DISASTER PREPAREDNESS AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

NEWS RELEASE #32
ISSUED ON: Thursday, August 30, 2007 at 7:00 p.m.
Update on Post-Hurricane Dean Recovery Activities

The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) is reporting the following post-Hurricane Dean recovery activities:

Health
Preliminary estimates of damage sustained to the health sector remain at J$168.4 million (US$2.4 million).

Electricity
The Jamaica Public Service (JPS) is reporting that power has been restored to 88% of its customers. Restoration is ongoing in the parishes of Manchester, Clarendon and St. Elizabeth. The projected time for full restoration remains at September 9, 2007.

Water
The National Water Commission (NWC) is reporting that 94% of its water production capacity has been restored. The Commission is indicating however, that there are isolated problems on the individual distribution systems, which they are working to restore.

Shelters
The shelter population has declined to 201 occupants in 16 shelters islandwide. Kingston & St. Andrew (KSA) and St. Thomas, each with 2 open shelters, have the highest number of occupants: 25 and 58 respectively.

Affected Communities
As of August 29, 2007, just over 27,000 households assessments were done across the island. Of that number 1,851 houses were destroyed and a little less than 9000 incurred extensive damages. Major damage and destroyed houses account for approximately 50% of all units assessed.

The ODPEM will continue to keep the country informed as the post-Hurricane Dean recovery and relief efforts unfold.

[Xavier]

Re: Hurricane Dean Jamaica - Help in the Relief Effort

Jamaican Diaspora Northeast United States
P.O. Box 4515
Highland Park, NJ 08904
[email protected]
732-331-2768


Dear Friend,

Hurricane Dean hit Jamaica on Sunday August 19, 2007. The storm has caused severe damages, the level of which is still being assessed. As a result, the government has declared an island wide State Of Emergency to ensure the safety of its citizens. There are many blocked roads including highways which will undoubtedly make traveling difficult over the next few days.

Like many Jamaican expatriates the Jamaican Diaspora, Northeast United States Chapter share the concern of our brothers and sisters back home as they face the challenge of returning to normalcy after the devastation of this horrific storm. Accordingly, we are supporting local Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) in what will certainly be difficult recovery efforts by mobilizing our resources to secure the following items:
- Twin Mattresses, Sheets & Blankets
- Flashlights and Batteries
- Tarpaulins
- Water Tables (water purification kits)
- Baby food and Diapers
- Canned foods (example: Corned Beef, Sardines, and Canned Mackerel)

School Supplies:
- Spiral notebooks
- Loose leaf paper
- Rulers
- Pencil sharpeners
- Pencils
- Erasers
- Crayons
- Backpacks
- Socks: Dark Blue, White, and Brown
- School shoes: Males and females - Black and Brown


Items can be drop off at:
First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens
630 Franklin Blvd
Somerset, NJ 08873, (732) 247-0444



Kindest regards,

Elsie Foster-Dublin
State Leader
Jamaica Diaspora Advisory Board
Northeast United states

Harold L. Mignott M.D.
Jamaica Diaspora Advisory Board
Northeast United states


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Hurricane Dean 2007 Relief Drop off Locations

Pennsylvania:

1.Saints Memorial Baptist Church

47 S. Warner Ave.

Bryn Mawr PA. 19010

610-525-5806

610-525-8934 fax

Pastor: Rev. Dr. Horace Russell

2. New Testament Church of God

935 So. 53rd. St.

Phila. PA 19143

215- 472-6630

Pastor: Bishop Felix F. Poyser

Opening hours: Mon. 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM

Tue., Wed., Thurs., Fri., 7:30PM to 7:30 PM

3. True Light Fellowship Church

6403 Ardleigh St.

Phila. PA 19119

215-548-5862

215-548-5053 fax

Pastor: Dr. Wesley Pinnock

1. True United Church

528 E. Haines St.

Phila. PA 19144

215-844-1132

215-844-2710 fax

Pastor: Dr. Sean D. Bartley

South New Jersey:

Owner: Dennis Proudlove

1. Wild Fire Restaurant

1024 Carol Miller Blvd

Camden NJ 08104

856-757-9185

Dr. DeForest B. Soaries, Jr. Senior Pastor

2. First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens

630 Franklin Blvd Somerset, NJ 08873, (732) 247-0444

Elsie (732) 331-2768

Hrs 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM ? afternoon weekday

Hrs 5:00PM to 7:00 PM - evening weekday

Hrs 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM ? weekend Sat

Hrs ? evening ? weekend Sat - added as needed

We recommend that these locations be contacted via phone prior to dropping off your items to support the Hurricane Dean Relief effort.

[Xavier]

Re: Hurricane Dean Jamaica - Help in the Relief Effort

OFFICE OF DISASTER PREPAREDNESS AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

NEWS RELEASE #33
ISSUED ON: Friday, August 31, 2007 at 6:30 p.m.
Update on Populated Shelters Across Jamaica

The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) is reporting that the number of open shelters across the island has declined to 15, housing some 200 persons. St. Catherine, with three open shelters, and St. Thomas, with two open shelters, have the highest number of occupants: 41 and 58 respectively. They are followed by:

- Manchester with 38 occupants in three shelters
- Portland with 28 occupants in two shelters
- Kingston & St. Andrew (KSA) with 25 occupants in two shelters
- St. Elizabeth with 10 occupants in three shelters.

Sectoral damage assessments and needs analysis are ongoing.

The ODPEM will keep the country informed as the post-Hurricane Dean recovery and relief efforts continue.