Tropical Storm Nicole - Planning Institute of Jamaica

As a result trips were shortened and buses ran half empty, resulting in estimated losses of
$120 000 per day and these losses will continue until the roads are repaired. The number 21,
22 and 23 bus routes, which terminate in Spanish Town were also affected due mainly to the
flooding of the Spanish Town lay-by. This lay-by was not operating at full capacity, resulting
in estimated losses of $100 000 per day. Combined, losses to the other routes amount to
approximately $150 000 - $200 000 per day.
b) Airports
Except for a few cancellations and flight delays, activities at the international airports
functioned smoothly. The associated losses, if any are yet to be determined.
c) Ports
The Port Authority of Jamaica (PAJ) reported that there was no damage to its property,
plant and equipment. However, the system caused an accumulation of debris in the
Kingston Harbour from land-based sources. While this did not create any major delays in
vessel movements tugs suffered some damage to their propellers, which will have to be
repaired, a cost not covered by insurance. The cost for this repair is approximately US$15
000, while the cost to remove the garbage is $500 000. There were no other damage or
effect on other ports or PAJ’s property.
C. Telecommunications
The Telecommunications sub-industry sustained minor physical plant damage on account of
TS Nicole. At the time of writing, operational losses were not yet ascertained.
One provider’s telephone network was affected resulting in an estimated damage of $136.9
million. This represented less than one per cent of asset. This was due to downed
poles/wires, equipment damage and power outages. Plants which relied solely on JPSCo for
power were impacted. Approximately 40.0 per cent of mobile coverage was impacted, with
35.0 per cent being restored within 24 hours. The parish of Portland was inaccessible for
some days.
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