The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) has received a $5.5- million donation from the German government to support recovery and relief efforts in the aftermath of recent heavy rains.

Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany, His Excellency Juergen Engel, presented the cheque to Deputy Director General of ODPEM Richard Thompson last Wednesday, at the agency's office on Haining Road in Kingston.

Thompson said ODPEM was very appreciative of the contribution, which will go towards efforts to restore some level of comfort to those affected by Tropical Storm Nicole and other weather systems, which affected the island between September 26 and November 1.

"We know that there have been a number of communities that were affected, especially out in Hanover where some of the communities are still under water, although the water is receding in places like Chigwell, and New Market and New River in St Elizabeth. We have been doing a lot of work out there and we welcome the donation," he said.

Thompson informed that a comprehensive damage assessment is being undertaken to determine the highest level of need in the affected parishes.

In his remarks, Ambassador Engel said it is a "real pleasure" to assist in the recovery efforts, adding that Germany has a true partnership with Jamaica.

He commended the staff of ODPEM for the "highly professional work" that they have been doing over the years, and encouraged them to continue on that path.