Oct 2012 Financial News

Hurricane Sandy pounds Jamaica

Oct 25, 2012

Hurricane Sandy pounded Jamaica with intense rains causing widespread flooding across the island yesterday.

In a bulletin at about 5 pm yesterday evening the Meteorological Service of Jamaica continued its hurricane warning even as the eye of Hurricane Sandy began to emerge along the north coast of the island.

At that time Sandy was moving 14 miles per hour, and was expected to continue today with an increase in forward speed. On this track, the centre of Sandy was expected to move over eastern Cuba tonight and the central Bahamas today.

Sandy was expected to weaken last night as it moved over eastern Cuba before re-strengthening over the Bahamas.

The Jamaica Public Service yesterday reported that approximately 70 percent of its customer base was without electricity as the hurricane passed across the island.

The severe weather conditions, which included strong winds and steady rainfall, have resulted in downed poles and lines in the parishes of Portland, St Mary, St Ann, St Thomas, St James, Westmoreland, and Hanover. One Trinidadian, Avis Holder who attends the University of the West Indies, Mona Campus spoke to media last night. She said there was no electricity at the university, but all the students were safe. She said the experience for her was a bit shocking as it was her first hurricane experience.

“I did not know what to expect. It was really scary for me, for seven hours there were high winds, and it rained. I did not know what to expect, it was really a scary experience,” she said. Island wide curfews continued in an effort to prevent looting, and other criminal acts. The measure was intended to protect life and property. The curfews were expected to remain in effect until 6 pm today.


Source:
Newsday
Thursday October 25 2012

http://www.newsday.co.tt/news/0,168242.html