JAMAICA: Sitrep #3

UNCLAS KINGSTON 001271 SIPDIS SIPDIS SENSITIVE STATE FOR CMS, SES/O, DS/IP/WHA, DS/IP/SPC FOR JIM SPOO, WHA/CAR (KHARNE/RBUDDEN),USSOUTHCOM FOR BILL VANCIO TASKFORCE DEAN E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ASEC CASC EAID JM SUBJECT: JAMAICA: Sitrep #3 Summary -------------- 1.( U) As of August 19, 2007, Hurricane Dean is still a category-4 hurricane, and winds are still strong as the storm rages through Kingston and the rest of the island. The eye of the storm is passing about 50 miles South of Jamaica, and likely to move past the island by early morning, August 20. Initial reports are in from personnel stationed at different parts of Kingston, and while heavy damage has been seen in some areas, no reports of catastrophic events have been received. End Summary. The NEC and Immediate Surroundings -------------- -------------- 2.(SBU) The New Embassy Compound (NEC) is holding out well, with minor damage to some fourth floor window frames and a small amount of water leaking through to the floor. At least one tree from the grounds has fallen striking one government-owed and two privately-owned vehicles parked in the NEC employee parking lot. No serious damage noted to the NEC compound as of 1830 hours local time, August 19. Power from the local grid was lost at approximately 1330 hours, and the generators appear to be operating normally. Phone service for both landlines and cellular service is working, and internet access is also without interruption. RSO reports all cameras and lights appear to be working, no damage to NEC security measures. 3.(SBU) At one point during early afternoon, August 19, Embassy Security guards and RSO noticed a crowd of approximately 50 people gathering across the street from the NEC at Old Hope Road. RSO contacted the Joint Constabulary Force (JCF) Headquarters and a police car was dispatched to the scene, as the group was in violation of the GOJ 48 hour curfew. The crowd did not respond to initial police efforts, but did disband after a second police car arrived on the scene. JCF contacts report sporadic curfew violations, no clear evidence of looting as of 1700 hours local time, August 19. Reports from Residential Housing -------------- 3.(SBU) USG personnel at Powell Plaza report some water leaking inside the building and some damage to the roof. Scattered reports from other USG personnel staying in residences reveal windows damaged, and water leaks and severe roof damage as of 1700 hours, August 19, in the Stillwell neighborhood of Kingston, above Powell Plaza. Reports from Outside Kingston -------------- 4.(SBU) Post is receiving little information from outside Kingston. Early reports from USAID sources indicate roads washing out due to high rainfall and high waves. However, due to the current intensity of the storm, reports from outside line-of-sight are difficult. American Citizen Services (ACS) reports very few inquiries received, and initial surveys showing that hotels were faring well, no reports of injuries or problems with American Citizens. JOHNSON