Hurricane Sandy bears down on Jamaica

Published on 25/10/2012 00:00

JAMAICA was pounded by heavy rain yesterday as a hurricane threatened to cut through it for the first time in 24 years.

Airports were forced to close and cruise ships to steer clear by the approach of Hurricane Sandy. Police ordered 48-hour curfews to prevent looting as the storm approached the south coast, heading for the capital, Kingston. It is feared the hurricane will rip north-south along the island, before heading for Cuba then on to Florida.

While Jamaica felt the knock-on effects of Hurricane Ivan in 2004 and other powerful hurricanes centred offshore, the eye of a hurricane has not carved across the Caribbean island since Hurricane Gilbert in 1988.

Flash floods and mudslides were expected amid winds gusting to 80mph, particularly in the tropical island’s mountainous interior. Emergency officials have ordered people to evacuate low-lying and coastal towns. The island has a population of 2.7 million.

The storm was predicted to drop as much as 12 inches of rain, especially over central and eastern parts of Jamaica. Some isolated spots could see as much as 20 inches.