Situation in JAMAICA ( Hurricane Ivan), not good

'Many citizens have refused to seek shelter and otherwise follow
directives of public officials. The Prime Minister has declared a "State of Public Emergency" to last one month in which citizens's "freedom of assembly", "freedom from search", "freedom of movement", and "other freedoms" will be suspended. Much discension and division among the citizenry. Numerous roads on the island are blocked by fallen trees, flooding and high seas. Hanover Bridge blocked by bamboo trees that have "washed into the mouth of the bridge." Power has been shut off on the island by JPS. One man being treated for gunshot wounds that occurred in a shelter. Water supply in some areas already being disrupted. KPH hospital has moved patients to more secure area as roof is leaking. Hospital working with skeleton staff and attempts to reduce patient population by half were not very successful. Cell phones systems expected to fail. Port Royal residents are refusing to leave because they have faith that God will protect them. Port Royal is especially vulnerable to storm surge. In Dominican Republic four children swept to sea and killed by high waves from Ivan who was over 200 miles away. Citizens warned repeatedly that the worst conditions are yet to come. Jamacian meteorologist estimates current winds in Jamaica at 140km (87 mph).'

http://www.stormcarib.com/reports/2004/jamaica.shtml

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http://www.go-jamaica.com/power/ (Listen to Jamaica radio on the web)
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I fear for them, this hurricane is incredibly powerful.

There are over 2 million people who live there and I don't know what they are thinking.

I'm not religious but I would think God would want people to exercise a little discerning human intellect.

(Not to make light of this situation...)

After torrential rains, the river was rising. The old man, living alone, was sure that God would save him. Neighbors came by and tried to get him to come with them to the shelter. He refused becuase "God will save me!" The river rose. The local authorities in a jon boat motored by and encouraged him to get in the boat and be safe. He refused because "God will save me." The river rose further. The old man was finally forced to the top of his roof, and a helicopter spotted him and tried to make a rescue. He waved them off, shouting, "God will save me!"

The river rose, and the old man drowned.

When he reached the Pearly Gates he was fit to be tied. "Why didn't you save me?" he demanded of God Herself.

"Good grief, man!" she exploded at him, every bit as annoyed with him as he was with Her, "I tried -- three times."
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Again, not to make light of this situation with my little joke, but I do believe people choose how and when they'll make their final exit. If some of the residents of Jamaica, or Florida, or anywhere else are ignoring officials, then my belief is that this is what they are choosing, and Godspeed to them. I hope their deaths (if that's what happens) will be quick and merciful.

Good wisdom in that joke too.

And pressure had plummeted by about 10 Mb in the last three hours. Kingston is about to get seriously clocked. Not much to do but think positive thoughts and hope for some blind luck.

Grenada was just a warmup.

Very sad.

They have not the resources that our Floridians do and certainly no FEMA.

"Just as I am, take me Jesus"...inspirational hymns to get these poor people through the night. How they must be terrified right now.

yet another hymn. jamaicans are veru spiritual people.

per Weather Channel

The new forecast track has Ivan skirting the Florida coast and striking the Panhandle aroud Appalachicola

http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/ftp/graphics/AT09/refresh/AL0904W5+GIF/110243W5.gif