Manchester ready for hurricane season, says mayor
MANDEVILLE, Manchester — With the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season underway Mandeville Mayor Donovan Mitchell says this south-central parish is prepared but he is still urging residents to take the necessary precautions.
“As a municipality we are very much prepared. First of all, we have supplies in waiting just in case something happens. All the relevant agencies have reported that they are prepared,” Mitchell said on Thursday at the Manchester Municipal Corporation.
He was speaking to the media following rain and strong wind which downed trees and utility lines on Perth Road in Mandeville.
Mitchell said the roof at Alexander Basic School in St Toolies was also damaged during the inclement weather.
Mayor of Mandeville Donovan Mitchell speaking with journalists on Thursday at Manchester Municipal Corporation.
According to Mitchell, as part of the preparation for the hurricane season key facilities have been equipped with standby generators with more than 80 emergency shelters available across the parish.
“There are standby generators for like the infirmary if the light goes out. We have other equipment and supplies at different parts of the parish just in case anything happens.
“We are very prepared. We have already spoken to our suppliers in terms of if anybody wants food or anything, if they have to go to a shelter. We are just watching to see what is happening, but we are asking people if there is any flooding in areas do not attempt to cross the waters. Stay put until help comes or avoid crossing those [flooded] areas,” said Mitchell.
He reiterated that the flooding issue on Ward Avenue in Mandeville has been resolved.
“We have been having rains but I am glad that so far Ward Avenue is still a good road. We have done some works over the weekend to remove a blockage there. We have cleared two drains on Smokey Street,” the mayor added.