Preliminary Estimates Indicate Storm Damage Could Range Between $500Mn and $1Bn

• The Government of Jamaica has begun assessing the damage caused by Tropical Storm Rafael, which impacted Jamaica between November 4 and 5.
• Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, said preliminary figures indicate that the damage could range between $500Mn and $1Bn. “Our figures are preliminary; by the end of the day, we will have more refined figures to share with the public,” Dr Holness said, addressing Wednesday’s (November 6) post-Cabinet press briefing at Jamaica House.
• The Prime Minister noted that Jamaica has a multi-layered disaster risk response mechanism, which has placed the country in a position to fund the needed repairs.
• Meanwhile, Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation with Responsibility for Works, Hon. Robert Morgan, in reporting on the storm’s impact, noted that there were 15 blocked roads, 10 flooded roads, minor damage to two roads, seven roads with single lane access and two roads that were impassable.
• He shared that the National Works Agency (NWA) has commenced providing access to blocked roads by way of single-lane traffic, adding that the next step will be to fully clear the blockages.

(Source: JIS)