Weather forecasting is notoriously uncertain, which explains extreme caution as experts seek to chart the possible course of Hurricane Beryl. What seems certain is that whether the storm passes over the Jamaican land mass, or just over coastal waters to the south, the effect is likely to be considerable. Damage, even destruction, caused by heavy rain and powerful winds seem well nigh inevitable.
We must also be prepared for the possibility of death and grief as have afflicted Caricom neighbours in the south-eastern Caribbean. Worst case projections suggesting the eyewall of Hurricane Beryl will pass over land is very bad news. That would mean extreme winds, rain, and flooding.
The various disaster agencies should have prepared for the worst, including the securing of shelters and stocking of supplies. Drains should have been cleaned by local authorities and the National Works Agency (NWA), and contingencies addressed — i’s dotted and t’s crossed. Similarly we expect the utility companies, including electricity provider Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS), National Water Commission (NWC), the telecoms and Internet providers have prepared themselves.
Homeowners and householders should have stocked up on necessities including water, non-perishable food items, and medication. Trees too close for comfort should have been trimmed and cut away. The security forces must be on high alert for the parasites who will seek to loot/steal.
Many younger Jamaicans have never experience.
