Westmoreland prepares for earthquake – Jamaica Observer

Acting Westmoreland Fire Department Chief O'Neil Henry (with documenter) in discussion with Westmoreland Municipal Corporation (WMC) Parish Disaster Coordinator Marcin Campbell Kerr (left) and members of the Westmoreland Fire Department after an earthquake simulation exercise on Thursday, January 16 (Photo: Rosalie Wood Condell)

SAVANNA-LA-MAR, WESTMORELAND — The majority of businesses in this parish don't have an earthquake plan, but the hope is that a three-month campaign by the Westmoreland Municipal Corporation (WMC) will educate people about what to do if the ground starts shifting beneath them.

The St. George Mall in Savannah-la-Mar was a flurry of activity Thursday as first responders conducted a drill as part of WMC's 2025 Earthquake Awareness Campaign.

The series of simulations began on Monday, January 13, with a mock earthquake-related explosion in downtown Savannah-la-Mar. The aim of each exercise was to raise awareness and teach residents about the appropriate action to take during an earthquake and other disasters.

On Tuesday, the group visited a number of commercial places in Negril, distributing posters and brochures while educating employees on proper earthquake response. Wednesday is designated as earthquake drill day in schools throughout the parish.

The series is scheduled to continue with a school tour during which the team will set up disaster awareness booths while conducting awareness exercises and drills, an initiative for the first time. The WMC earthquake awareness campaign will end on March 28.

“The aim of the Earthquake Awareness Series is to ensure that people know what to do before, during and after an earthquake,” WMC Disaster Coordinator Marcine Campbell Kerr told the Jamaica Observer.

She pointed out the absence of a safety committee at George Mall and the individual commercial places there.

“That's what we're going to work on,” Campbell-Kerr said. “Through this series of activities, we are spreading awareness and we are also identifying areas of weakness and where we can leverage our strengths as a business, as a local parish authority.” Even for businesses in Negril, a lot of them, even though they had disaster plans in place for other emergencies like fires And hurricanes, but most of them did not have a plan for earthquakes.”

O'Neil Henry, acting chief of the Westmoreland Fire Department, told the Observer that while the earthquake drills at the George Mall were successful, they revealed areas where improvements could enhance safety and efficiency. He outlined the necessary steps.

“First: Evacuation Plans – Every company and organization should have a clear evacuation plan tailored to their particular environment. Second: Emergency Alarm Systems – Reliable alarm systems are essential to immediately alert passengers during a crisis. Third: Employee Training – Regular training ensures that every Individuals take their turn during a disaster, turning confusion into coordinated action.

He added, “This exercise highlighted that preparing for disasters is not a luxury but a necessity.” “Earthquakes strike without warning, and how we prepare today can mean the difference between chaos and survival tomorrow. Let’s work together to create safer spaces, empower community, and ensure we’re ready to respond when disasters strike. Preparedness saves lives; let’s make it our priority.” “

The most memorable earthquake to affect Jamaica was the 1692 earthquake that flooded part of Port Royal and claimed many lives. The earthquake was felt by the entire island.

Last year was recorded as a very active year for earthquakes to hit Jamaica, with nearly 600 earthquakes recorded. Of this number, 310 had centers on the island. The largest earthquake recorded locally in 2024 measured about 5.2 and was felt in a number of parishes across the country.

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