Rains wreak havoc nationwide
Published:Tuesday | September 28, 2010 | 12:00 AM
Laura Redpath, Senior Gleaner Writer
Heavy rains in Manchester, St Andrew, St Thomas and Portland yesterday left several roadways blocked or reduced to single-lane access, the National Works Agency (NWA) has reported.
Stephen Shaw, manager of communication and customer services at the NWA, said in a release yesterday that the agency was in the process of responding in all areas, but its efforts were being stymied by the continuous rainfall.
Shaw said the NWA was particularly concerned about the situation in the Bottom Road community in Danvers Pen, where there is no alternative route.
The floods prompted the Meteorological Service to upgrade its flash flood watch to a warning which will remain in effect for all parishes until 5 this afternoon.
A release from the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) noted that the road from Hall Head to Negro River Bridge was blocked by debris in St Thomas.
Single-lane traffic
There was also a breakaway en route from Morant River Crossing to Whitehall main road between mileposts 42 and 43, also in St Thomas.This resulted in single-lane traffic.
Clayton Johnson, duty forecaster at the Met Service, cautioned that motorists and pedestrians should take care and not cross flooded areas.
He also encouraged fisherfolk to exercise care when going about their livelihood.
"We have and are yet to experience widespread showers and thunderstorms across the island," Johnson said.
According to the Met Service, showers and thunderstorms are expected to continue into tomorrow.
A low-pressure system is drifting northward, close to Jamaica, and might develop into a tropical cyclone by tomorrow, the Met Service said.
Strong winds are likely mainly over inshore and offshore areas towards the southern and western parts of the island.
ODPEM advised that persons follow radio updates and be ready for evacuation if living in flood-prone or low-lying areas.
Reports of damage from the NWA
Roadways from Dump to Moravia and Alston to Christiana in Manchester reduced to single-lane access due to landslides.
The corridor from Papine to Bull Bay in St Andrew impassable at Cane River due to massive boulders.
In St Thomas, the roadways from Morant Crossing to White Hall, Negro River to Hall Head and Port Morant to Pleasant Hill all impacted by the inclement weather. A massive breakaway has occurred along the roadway from Morant Crossing to White Hall between mileposts 42 and 43. Only small vehicles can be accommodated along this corridor. Motorists wishing to enter the community of Middleton from the direction of Morant Bay are being advised to use the route through Seaforth and Soho.
The roadway from Negro River to Hall Head in the vicinity of Bottom Road completely blocked by landslides. There are no alternative routes for this roadway. The corridor from Port Morant to Pleasant Hill has been inundated in the Bowden Swamp area. Sections of this roadway have also been washed out.
In Portland, minor landslips have been reported along the roadway from Williamsfield to Haining.