Misinformation may have hampered efforts to evacuate Jamaicans from high-risk areas before the arrival of Hurricane Melissa, the country’s government officials say.
Three separate Jamaican MPs expressed concern at false and misleading information circulating on social media and messaging apps in the lead-up to the storm making landfall.
People walk along a road as Hurricane Melissa buffets Rocky Point, Jamaica, on Tuesday.Credit: AP
Minister of information Dana Morris Dixon said she had seen fake videos of the hurricane circulating online, including through a number of WhatsApp groups.
Two other ministers also warned about spreading “false and malicious” misinformation, including reports about storm shelters charging fees to those seeking shelter and inaccurate information about what locations were being hit by flooding, according to NBC News.
“What is happening is that there is an attempt by persons with bad intention to create confusion at this time,” Minister of Local Government and Community Development Desmond McKenzie said.
“The country doesn’t need confusion at this time.”
As of Monday evening, only 1700 people had evacuated to 130 shelters opened across the island, despite authorities expecting 50,000 of Jamaica’s 2.8 million residents to be displaced.
People in Jamaica shelter before the hurricane’s arrival.Credit: AP
Reports have emerged of residents in the island’s south, the area most affected by the weather front, staying behind to protect their businesses, despite warnings from authorities that the area could experience catastrophic damage.
One exception was the small community of Old Harbor, just west of Kingston, where about 200 people crowded in the shelter.
“It’s definitely more than last time,” said Jason Fuller, a firefighter and shelter volunteer, referring to the number of people that sought shelter from Hurricane Beryl last year.
In the past, Jamaicans have complained about the safety in shelters and the lack of basic goods.
“I am feeling safe and OK,” said a cheerful 13-year-old girl who only provided her first name as Natanya.
With AP