The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) has been monitoring Tropical Storm Melissa since Thursday, October 18, 2025. Parish and national disaster mechanisms have been placed on standby, and coordination continues with the National Meteorological Service and key response partners. A National Emergency Operations Center meeting was held with over 25 agencies, including the JDF, JCF, Fire Brigade, Red Cross, and UNDP, to assess national readiness and ensure effective communication systems. All 881 shelters islandwide have been inspected and are ready for activation, with health and safety protocols in place. ODPEM urges Jamaicans to stay alert, remain prepared, and follow official updates as the system moves closer to the island.(Andrew Holness)