Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness has announced that an evacuation order is in effect for vulnerable areas in the country as Beryl is approaching.
"An evacuation order is in effect for areas prone to floods, landslides, or near sea level, gullies, or waterways. We urge all Jamaicans to follow evacuation notices ... If you live in a low-lying area, a place prone to flooding or landslides, or near a river or gully, please evacuate to a shelter or safer ground," Holness said on X on Wednesday.
He said the country's constabulary and defense forces would be "fully mobilized to maintain public order and assist with disaster relief after the hurricane," adding that they have "strategic plans in place to prevent looting and other opportunistic crimes during this period."
The prime minister said in the latest updates on X that rainfall caused by Hurricane Beryl would continue to spread across the island for another several hours. He said that accumulations of 100-200 millimeters, strong winds reaching near hurricane force, tropical storm force winds, and rising water levels were expected. He also urged small boat operators to remain in port until sea conditions return to normal.