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
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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
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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
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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
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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