Jamaicans urged to stay hydrated as domestic violence app and hurricane prep move ahead

Jamaicans are being urged to protect themselves from dehydration as unusually high temperatures continue across the island, while the Government also moves to roll out a mobile app for people facing domestic violence and the National Irrigation Commission steps up hurricane-season preparations. The updates highlighted health, safety and infrastructure concerns now affecting the country.

Health promotion and education officer Gerald Miller said the current heat is increasing the risk of heat stress and heat exhaustion, especially for children, older adults and people who spend long hours outdoors. He warned that extended exposure can lead to heat cramps, heat rash and heat stress when the body becomes dehydrated and can no longer cool itself properly. Among the signs he listed were tiredness, lethargy, headache, dizziness, fainting, nausea, vomiting, altered mental state, muscle cramps, excessive thirst and reduced urination. Residents were encouraged to drink plenty of water during the day and to limit alcohol and sugary drinks, which can worsen dehydration.

Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Olivia Grange said a mobile app is now being developed to help people in domestic violence situations reach support more discreetly. The platform is to be linked to the national 24-hour domestic violence hotline and is intended to provide a secure and accessible way for users to seek help, while strengthening the response to gender-based violence. Grange said the service will allow the Government to expand its continuum of care for survivors. She also noted that the hotline remains open while the app is being built.

The National Irrigation Commission said its systems across Jamaica have been getting ready for possible weather threats during the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season. Director of Engineering and Technical Services Rohan Stewart said the commission has been carrying out fortnightly, monthly and quarterly checks on water production, conveyance and delivery systems, alongside proactive upgrades. He said lessons from Hurricane Beryl in 2024 and Hurricane Melissa in 2025 have informed the current approach. Work under way includes about 700 metres of canal rehabilitation and 1,400 metres of pipeline replacement to support faster recovery after severe weather.