As Hurricane Melissa inches closer to the island, Health and Wellness Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton is urging Jamaicans to avoid risky endeavours, and to prioritise the safety of children.

Dr. Tufton recalled the death of a young man, who was washed away by floodwaters in Kingston, during the passage of hurricane beryl, last year.

The man was reportedly attempting to retrieve a football from a gully.

The minister noted that with another severe weather event threatening to impact the island, measures must be taken to reduce injury or death.

The minister was speaking during a special press briefing at Jamaica House yesterday.