Jamaica Situation Report - 19 August

Up to 230 communities in Jamaica are thought to be vulnerable to Hurricane Dean. The country’s Emergency Operations Center has been activated and is calling for health departments and hospitals to activate all preparedness plans, as currently only non-critical patients have been discharged and admissions limited to emergencies. A limited supply of basic pharmaceuticals is thought to be on hand. It is almost certain that small water containers (5-10 gallons) and larger water tanks will be needed, as well as water purification tablets.

At a meeting in Kingston, UN agencies and donor countries reviewed the standby emergency procedures they have in place.