The Clarendon Municipal Corporation says, it has cleared all its drains, ahead of the start of the 2018 hurricane season.

Mayor of May Pen Winston Maragh, however notes, that the drains that fall under the responsibility of the National Works Agency, need some attention.

Mr. Maragh says, the parish was not adversely affected by the recent rains, but with the hurricane season just days away, and one named storm, Alberto, already developed, the corporation is not taking any chances.

He says the Parish Disaster Coordinator, has done an assessment of emergency shelters, and most of them are ready.

He says the corporation received funding last month, to conduct drain cleaning.

And, Minister of Local Government Desmond McKenzie, says collaboration between the government and citizens is necessary, to minimize the effects of flooding in the country.

Speaking at a special sitting of the Hanover Municipal Corporation yesterday, Mr. McKenzie said, the ministry will, in the next two to three months, embark on a sensitisation campaign, to engage the public around proper flood mitigation.

He said, the country has been experiencing severe effects from the weather, and areas that were never affected before by flooding, have been severely compromised.

The minister said, the limited resources that are available at times, are not adequate, to respond to the needs that exist, across the various municipalities.

In this regard, he said, that mayors will be engaged, to look at the approaches that are necessary for each parish, during the upcoming hurricane season.

He encouraged councillors, to adopt a different kind of approach, to ensure that their communities are prepared for the hurricane season.

He said come next month, the ministry will conduct a three-day orientation session, with all disaster coordinators across the country, with a view to preparing for a very active hurricane season.