Prime Minister Warns of Water Crisis in Jamaica Amid Drought Conditions

On Tuesday afternoon, Prime Minister Andrew Holness declared that Jamaica is grappling with a dire water crisis as drought conditions tighten their grip on the nation.

Acknowledging the severity of the situation, he underscored the imminent threat posed to both the country’s water supply systems and agricultural sector.

Highlighting the gravity of the situation, Prime Minister Holness delineated the multifaceted nature of the crisis, attributing it to a convergence of meteorological, hydrological, and agricultural droughts.

He explained that meteorological droughts, characterised by prolonged dry spells, have plagued various regions across the island, with western Jamaica bearing the brunt of the precipitation deficit.

“Jamaica is in the throes of a meteorological, hydrological, and agricultural drought. To remind colleagues, a meteorological drought happens when dry weather patterns dominate a particular geographic area. A hydrological drought occurs when low water supply becomes evident, especially in streams, reservoirs, and groundwater levels. And this usually follows a meteorological drought. What is clear is that the entire island is dry,” articulated Mr. Holness.

Expressing concern for the residents in severely affected parishes, Prime Minister Holness cautioned of impending disruptions to their water supply systems in the coming weeks.

He singled out parishes such as Hanover, Westmoreland, St. Elizabeth, Clarendon, and Manchester, where rainfall deficits have already compounded the crisis, and anticipated worsening conditions until anticipated rainfall in May.

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