THE Opposition People’s National Party (PNP) has expressed concern for residents of Broward County, Florida, United States, who have been affected by flooding following torrential rains which occurred on Wednesday.

“We extend our solidarity and support to the affected individuals, families, and communities during this difficult time,” the PNP said in a release Thursday.

“We are deeply saddened to hear of the devastation caused by the unprecedented flooding in Broward County,” the release added.

Florida is home to thousands of Jamaican migrants.

“Reports of immense damage to homes, vehicles, and infrastructure have reached us in Jamaica, and we send our prayers for a speedy return to normality. We stand in solidarity with residents of Jamaican descent who have made Florida their home, as they face this challenging situation. The PNP commends the efforts of emergency services personnel and volunteers who have been working tirelessly to rescue residents and provide relief to those who have been impacted by the flood. Our thoughts and prayers are with those who have been displaced from their homes and those who are struggling to cope with the aftermath of this natural disaster,” said the release.

Noting that a state of emergency has been declared in Fort Lauderdale, the PNP said it stands ready to “support our brothers and sisters and encourages all those who can assist to offer their support to the residents of Broward County and other affected areas. We understand the devastating effects of natural disasters and the importance of standing together during times of crisis. We hope that with the assistance of everyone, the residents will be able to recover and rebuild their lives as quickly as possible.”

According to The Associated Press, nearly a foot (30 centimetres) of rain fell in a matter of hours in Fort Lauderdale — causing widespread flooding, the closure of the city’s airport and the suspension of high-speed commuter rail service for the Broward County region.

The city of Fort Lauderdale released a statement Wednesday evening urging residents and visitors to stay off the roads until the water subsided.

“Police and Fire Rescue continue to answer calls for service,” the statement said. “Public works staff are clearing drains and operating pumps to mitigate the water as quickly as possible.”

The National Weather Service issued a flash flood emergency for Fort Lauderdale and other areas as the chance of thunderstorms continued across the region, warning: “This is a life-threatening situation. Seek higher ground now!”

There have been no immediate reports of injuries or deaths.

Up to 14 inches had fallen across the area through Wednesday and the National Weather Service said another two to four inches were possible as a warm front continued to push northward, bringing a chance of thunderstorms.

Hollywood Mayor Josh Levy told CNN that the area already had seen days of rain. “The ground was already saturated so there is extensive flooding all over our city and throughout South Florida. Many roadways are impassable. Lots of vehicles got stuck and left abandoned in the middle of our roadways,” Levy said. “I’ve lived here my whole life. This is the most severe flooding that I’ve ever seen.”

More than 22,000 customers in Florida were without electricity Wednesday night, according to poweroutage.us.

Video taken by witnesses showed water coming in the door at an airport terminal and a virtual river rushing down the tarmac between planes.

On Broward Boulevard, a man was seen swimming to the curb on the flooded street at rush hour as cars rolled by.

Drivers recorded themselves rolling through streets where brown, swirling water was up to the wheel wells or nearly to the hood of cars.