KINGSTON, Jamaica — Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Desmond McKenzie, has confirmed that four people have died in St Elizabeth as a result of the heavy winds and rain brought by Hurricane Melissa.

Earlier, Superintendent Coleidge Minto had revealed that two bodies were discovered in Black River, St Elizabeth. But a later announcement from Minister McKenzie increased the death toll in St Elizabeth to four.

The deceased are three men and one woman, who are all believed to have been washed away by floodwaters generated by the storm.

“They were discovered after being washed up by the flood waters generated by the hurricane,” the minister said.

“These persons are, by all indications, direct victims of the hurricane, and I am hoping that there will be no more fatalities,” he added.

The minister also urged continued caution, noting that a flash flood watch remains in effect for the island, with the Meteorological Service forecasting an additional three to six inches of rainfall across Jamaica.

“Let us all be careful and do all we can to ensure that no more lives are lost,” he said.

READ: Bodies found in Black River in aftermath of Hurricane Melissa