The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management, ODPEM, has developed a National Tsunami Response Plan and Standing Order Procedure for Jamaica.
This was disclosed by Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Desmond McKenzie, who indicated that the plan is awaiting the National Disaster Risk Management Council’s approval.
He said this vital aspect of the disaster risk reduction programme was made possible by a wide range of partners.
They include the governments of the Republics of Chile and Costa Rica, and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, UNESCO.
Mr. McKenzie also announced that Old Harbour Bay in St. Catherine is in the final stage of receiving its tsunami-ready community designation under UNESCO’s Tsunami-ready Programme.