Local Government Minister says Jamaicans need to pay more attention to earthquakes and their impacts

Minister of Local Government Desmond McKenzie, who has responsibility for natural disaster response coordination, says Jamaicans need to pay more attention to earthquakes and their impacts.

His statement comes amid reports of two back-to-back earthquakes which struck Venezuela yesterday, leaving over 900 people dead and thousands more injured.

Jamaica is prone to frequent seismic activity, with more than 400 earthquakes recorded last year.

Mr. McKenzie acknowledged that with the 2026 hurricane season underway, and having just experienced Hurricanes Beryl and Melissa, many Jamaicans are seemingly preoccupied with what may happen if another storm hits this year.

Speaking in Westmoreland at the Clean Up Grant Funds for Churches handing over ceremony, McKenzie warned that Jamaica should not only focus on hurricanes.

However, McKenzie said the Government alone cannot prepare the nation.

He called on the island’s churches to join in getting their congregations prepared for natural disasters such as hurricanes and earthquakes.