ODPEM: Take precautions against Saharan dust plume

JAMAICANS ARE being urged to guard against the effects of the Saharan dust cloud impacting the island. The effects are expected to be concentrated today and then decrease by tomorrow as it drifts towards the northwest. It is projected that the impact on the Caribbean is likely to remain for another few days.

The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) is advising members of the public, and particularly persons who are already experiencing respiratory illnesses and those who are prone to respiratory illness, to exercise great care by observing the following precautions:

The ODPEM is monitoring the situation and will advise as it becomes necessary.

Saharan Dust, originating over northern Africa and sometimes impacting weather conditions over diverse locations of the world, currently extends from the tropical Atlantic into the Caribbean region. This is especially common during the period of May to August annually.