Continuous rainfall affecting NWA recovery in St Thomas
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Continuous rainfall in St Thomas since last week’s heavy downpour is impacting recovery efforts in that parish, according to communications manager at the National Works Agency (NWA) Stephen Shaw.
Heavy rains last Tuesday pelted the eastern section of the island resulting in several landslides and significant flooding, severely impacting St Thomas.
The NWA said since last Wednesday it has been responding to several incidents of landslides, blocked drains, fallen trees and scoured road surfaces resulting from the rains.
Shaw said that though the agency has managed to reopen all the affected main roads, there continues to be a challenge. He said mudflows and landslides are affecting some corridors, including those in the Dalvey, Hampton Court and Rocky Point communities.
Shaw said a further challenge being encountered is that the Plantain Garden River, which is the source of the stones used to temporarily reinstate the damaged roads, is now in spate.
“This caused a temporary suspension of reinstatement activities in the parish today,” Shaw said in a news release.
In the meantime, The NWA is advising people that Hordley Crossing, which is located along the road from Pleasant Hill to Hector’s River is now flooded and can only accommodate small vehicles. A section of the Bath to Hordley main road has also been washed out and will pose a challenge to small vehicles, the agency said.
Shaw said motorists are being advised to use these corridors with extreme caution as it continues to rain in the parish.
Similar warning is being given to motorists using corridors that have been affected over the last week by landslides.