McKenzie Urges Jamaicans to Treat Earthquake Risk With Same Urgency as Hurricanes

Desmond McKenzie, Minister of Local Government and the cabinet member responsible for coordinating Jamaica's natural disaster response, says citizens must give earthquakes and their consequences far greater attention.

He spoke as international reports described two earthquakes that struck Venezuela in quick succession, leaving more than 900 people dead and thousands injured.

Jamaica sits in a seismically active zone. More than 400 earthquakes were recorded across the island during the past year.

Addressing a handing-over ceremony for Clean Up Grant Funds for Churches in Westmoreland, McKenzie noted that the 2026 hurricane season is already under way. With Hurricanes Beryl and Melissa still fresh in public memory, he said many Jamaicans appear focused chiefly on whether another major storm could strike this year.

The minister warned that the country cannot afford to narrow its disaster planning to hurricanes alone.

McKenzie added that the Government by itself cannot fully ready the nation. He appealed to churches islandwide to help prepare their congregations for natural disasters, including both hurricanes and earthquakes.