ODPEM

🌧️ Are you experiencing rainfall in your community? Let us know where you are and how the weather conditions are in your area! #ODPEM #StayReadyJA #RainfallAwareness

HURRICANE MELISSA | RESPONSE, RECOVERY & RESTORATION 🇯🇲 Recovery must leave no one behind. Following Hurricane Melissa, the ODPEM, in collaboration with partner agencies and donors, supported Specially Vulnerable Groups, including members of the Jamaica Society for the Blind and the Combined Disabilities Foundation, with essential supplies to assist their recovery. As Jamaica rebuilds, we remain committed to ensuring that disaster response and recovery efforts are inclusive and address the needs of every Jamaican. Building back stronger means building back together. #ODPEM #HurricaneMelissa #ResponseRecoveryRestoration #DisabilityInclusion #BuildingBackStronger

HURRICANE MELISSA | RESPONSE, RECOVERY & RESTORATION In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, ensuring that no one was left behind remained a priority for the ODPEM, its partner agencies and donors. Special attention was given to Specially Vulnerable Groups, including members of the Jamaica Society for the Blind and the Combined Disabilities Foundation, to ensure they received much-needed supplies to support their recovery. In this feature, Mr. Dean White of the Jamaica Society for the Blind and the Combined Disabilities Foundation shares his gratitude and highlights the importance of reaching and supporting persons with disabilities during disaster response and recovery. As Jamaica continues to rebuild, we remain committed to inclusive disaster management, where the needs of our most vulnerable are recognised and addressed. Recovery must be inclusive. Restoration must leave no one behind. #ODPEM #HurricaneMelissa #ResponseRecoveryRestoration #DisabilityInclusion #SpeciallyVulnerableGroups #BuildingBackStronger

With heavy rainfall and thunderstorms affecting sections of Jamaica, ODPEM urges everyone to stay alert and take precautions. Remember, lightning can strike miles away from a thunderstorm. If you hear thunder, go indoors immediately! Stay safe and protect your loved ones. When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors! #ODPEM #LightningSafety #StaySafeJamaica

Stay safe and prepared during rainy weather! 🌧️🇯🇲 As rainfall increases, take the necessary precautions to protect yourself, your family and your property. Avoid flooded roadways, drive with care, clear drains and keep your emergency kit ready. Remember: Your safety comes first! #ODPEM #RainyWeatherTips #BePrepared #DisasterPreparedness

HURRICANE MELISSA | RESPONSE, RECOVERY & RESTORATION Assessing the Damage. Informing Recovery. Rebuilding Stronger. In the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) conducted Initial Damage Assessments (IDA) and partnered with the Ministry of Labour and Social Security (MLSS) to carry out Jamaica Household Damage Impact and Needs Assessments (JHDINA) in Rowe Town, Whitehouse, Westmoreland. The assessment teams collected critical information on damage sustained by households and the needs of affected residents. This data-gathering exercise is an essential step in Jamaica’s recovery process. The information collected helps inform evidence-based decision-making, guide resource allocation, and support national recovery and reconstruction planning. Watch as Ms. Sophia Mitchell from ODPEM speak about the partners work on the ground to document the impacts of Hurricane Melissa and lay the foundation for a coordinated, targeted and resilient recovery. Assessing Needs. Informing Decisions. Building Back Stronger. #HurricaneMelissa #ODPEM #DamageAssessment #JamaicaRecovery #BuildBackBetter #ResilientJamaica

Hurricane Melissa: Clarifying the Facts on Donations Commander Alvin Gayle, Director General of the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), addresses questions surrounding donations received in response to Hurricane Melissa, providing clarity on the contributions received, how they are managed and the accountability measures in place. Transparency and accountability remain essential as Jamaica continues its recovery and resilience-building efforts. Get the facts directly from the ODPEM Director General at the Post-Cabinet Press Briefing. #HurricaneMelissa #JamaicaStrong #ODPEM #RecoveryAndResilience

CARICOM SOLIDARITY: ADVANCING JAMAICA’S RECOVERY On November 17, 2025, Prime Minister, the Most Honourable Dr Andrew Holness, led Heads of Government from the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and regional partners on a tour of communities severely impacted by Hurricane Melissa in Western Jamaica. The delegation travelled from Montego Bay towards Whitehouse, Westmoreland, visiting affected areas in Westmoreland and St. Elizabeth to witness the devastation firsthand, gain a deeper understanding of the recovery needs and strengthen regional support for Jamaica’s rebuilding efforts. The commitments made by regional partners, including assistance with healthcare, debris removal, housing reconstruction and technical support, underscored the importance of regional solidarity and collective action in responding to the far-reaching impacts of disasters. Effective disaster recovery requires a coordinated, comprehensive approach. Emergency assistance must be aligned with reconstruction planning, financial and technical support, and long-term resilience-building to ensure that recovery efforts deliver lasting benefits to affected communities. As Jamaica advances its response, recovery and restoration efforts, collaboration among government agencies, regional partners, development institutions and communities remains critical to restoring livelihoods, rebuilding infrastructure and reducing vulnerability to future hazards. Together, we are rebuilding stronger, restoring hope and working towards a safer, more resilient Jamaica. #HurricaneMelissa #JamaicaRecovery #CARICOM #DisasterResilience #BuildBackBetter #ODPEM

HURRICANE MELISSA: RESPONSE, RECOVERY & RESTORATION In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, Jamaica continues its journey towards recovery and rebuilding. Through this series, the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) will share updates on response and recovery initiatives, restoration activities, and the collective efforts of government agencies, local authorities, development partners, private-sector organisations, volunteers and communities working to rebuild lives and restore affected areas. From emergency assistance and community support to rehabilitation and long-term recovery, we will highlight the work being undertaken, recognise the contributions of those making a difference, and share progress as Jamaica moves forward. Tracking the Progress. Recognising the Efforts. Rebuilding Stronger. Follow the series as we document Jamaica’s ongoing recovery journey. Prepared People | Safer Communities | A Stronger Jamaica #HurricaneMelissa #JamaicaRecovery #ResponseRecoveryRestoration #ODPEM #JamaicaStrong #BuildBackBetter

Hurricane Melissa: Clarifying the Facts on Donations Commander Alvin Gayle, Director General of the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), addresses questions surrounding donations received in response to Hurricane Melissa, providing clarity on the contributions received, how they are managed and the accountability measures in place. Transparency and accountability remain essential as Jamaica continues its recovery and resilience-building efforts. Get the facts directly from the ODPEM Director General at the Post-Cabinet Press Briefing. 📹: @JISNews #HurricaneMelissa #JamaicaStrong #ODPEM #RecoveryAndResilience

Remembering Hurricane Melissa: From the ODPEM Archives Before, during and after Hurricane Melissa’s passage across Jamaica, members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), including the St. James Division and other divisions across the island, remained mobilized and actively engaged in preparedness, response and recovery efforts to help safeguard lives and communities. We recognize the dedication of our security forces, emergency responders and other personnel who worked tirelessly throughout this challenging period. Their continued presence and coordinated efforts highlight the importance of collaboration, readiness and commitment in protecting the public and strengthening Jamaica’s resilience in the face of disasters. 📹: @JamaicaConstab #HurricaneMelissa #ODPEMArchives #JCF #JamaicaPrepares #DisasterResponse

The Honourable Pearnel Charles Jr., MP, Joined the Darliston Community Action Fair! 🇯🇲 Yesterday, the Honourable Pearnel Charles Jr., MP, Minister of Labour and Social Security, joined residents at Enfield Primary and Infant School for the Darliston Community Action Fair. The initiative provided residents of Darliston and surrounding communities with access to essential services, information and support to aid in their hurricane recovery. Facilitated through the Technical Assistance Centre (TAC), a United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) initiative, the fair brought together partners to offer free services, technical assistance and practical guidance to help affected residents rebuild stronger and Build Back Better. Through collaboration and community support, the initiative continues to advance recovery efforts and strengthen resilience among affected communities. #ODPEM #UNDP #Darliston #HurricaneRecovery #BuildBackBetter #ResilienceStartsAtHome

Remembering Hurricane Melissa: A Commitment to Resilience Today, October 28, 2026, the Meteorological Service of Jamaica commissioned its Doppler Radar in Coopers Hill, St. Andrew, marking a significant milestone in Jamaica’s efforts to strengthen weather monitoring, forecasting and early warning capabilities. The commissioning coincides with the first anniversary of Hurricane Melissa, underscoring the importance of investing in technology and strengthening national preparedness to protect lives and livelihoods. The day also featured the launch of Hurricane Melissa Chronicles, documenting an important chapter in Jamaica’s disaster management history and preserving the experiences and lessons emerging from the devastating hurricane. As Jamaica reflects on the impact of Hurricane Melissa, these milestones reinforce the importance of improved forecasting, timely warnings, effective emergency response and continued investment in disaster risk reduction. One year later, we remember, we learn, and we continue to build a more resilient Jamaica. 🇯🇲 #RememberingHurricaneMelissa #HurricaneMelissa #DisasterResilience #EarlyWarningSystems #JamaicaPrepares #ODPEM

Remembering Hurricane Melissa: From the ODPEM Archives On this day October 28, 2025 As Hurricane Melissa continued to pound Jamaica, St. Elizabeth experienced severe flooding and widespread damage. During a Tuesday evening news conference, The Honourable Desmond McKenzie, Minister of Local Government and Community Development, described the devastation in the parish as extensive, with families trapped in their homes in Black River as rescue teams faced dangerous conditions while attempting to reach affected residents. Hurricane Melissa highlighted the devastating impact of extreme weather on our communities and the importance of coordinated emergency response efforts. We continue to stand in solidarity with affected families and honour the efforts of those working tirelessly to protect lives and provide assistance. 📹: @jamaicastar #HurricaneMelissa #ODPEMArchives #JamaicaPrepares #DisasterResponse #Resilience

The Roofing Master Class is a hit at the UNDP TAC! Residents from Darliston and surrounding communities are turning out in large numbers for the ongoing ODPEM/HEART Trust/NSTA Roofing Master Class at Enfield Primary and Infant School. Participants are gaining valuable knowledge and practical skills to strengthen their roofing and improve the resilience of their homes. #ODPEM #HEARTTrustNSTA #UNDP #DisasterResilience #ResilienceStartsAtHome