Tropical Storm Warning lifted in Jamaica; Harbour View Bridge In Jamaica brought down by Tropical Storm Gustav

KINGSTON, Jamaica – As of Saturday August 30, 2008 at 9:00 a.m. the National Meteorological Service has lifted the Tropical Storm Warning that was in effect for the island.

A significant decrease in rainfall has already been observed over eastern parishes and will soon be experienced across the rest of the island.

Weather conditions will therefore return to normal today.

Communities affected

• A total of 72 communities have been reported affected to the NEOC, most of which are from the parishes of St. Catherine, Kingston and St. Andrew.

Shelters

• Checks with the Parish Disaster Offices have revealed that there are 1605 persons being housed in 96 shelters islandwide

Infrastructure

The National Works Agency (NWA) has begun clearing roads and restoring access to communities. Work is being done to repair the following:

• Kintyre Bridge and the Nutmeg Bridge in August Town

• Westmoreland Bridge in St. Mary

Utilities

• The Jamaica Public Service Company is currently restoring power supply to their customers islandwide, with priority being given to critical customers.

• The National Water Commission has reported that 65% of their systems were affected by the weather situation. The Yallahs and Hope Rivers which were adversely affected will be assessed

• Rapid aerial reconnaissance team has been deployed to assess the parishes of St. Andrew, St. Thomas and St. Mary.

Harbour View Bridge In Jamaica brought down by Tropical Storm Gustav