Councillor for the Little London Division in Westmoreland, the Jamaica Labour’s Party’s Ian Myles, has described the situation of people in the area as grave with assistance needed every day.

The Westmoreland community was hard hit by Hurricane Melissa and Myles has been at the forefront of distributing relief supplies in the area.

On Tuesday Myles was seen handing out food supplies and cases of bottled drinking water he had received from first responders who used United States helicopters to land at the Llandilo Community Centre.

“I am very pleased about the promises and overwhelming support which is pledged not only for my community, but other communities, and I want to impress upon those persons who are reading this paper to continue this relief effort,” Myles told the Jamaica Observer.

He said while Little London is not the worst-affected area, it is far from being normal. Myles pointed out that one of the hardest hit communities in the division is Camp Savanna where houses were flattened.

“Houses were totally demolished. It was like an earthquake would have totally devastated this area,” said Myles as he pointed out that 16 of the approximately 40 houses in Camp Savanna were severely impacted.

“That in itself tells you that residents do not have anywhere to stay. The only shelter that is available in the community is the Seventh-day Adventist Church which can only accommodate, maybe, six families because the church upstairs is totally [gone] as well. So, we need help,” Myles told the Observer as he pleaded for potable water to be trucked to the community.

According to Myles, other areas seriously impacted in the division include Paul Island, Egypt Gardens, Nyle, Broughton, and Station Road.

“I have to be moving house to house but this is something that I don’t mind doing. I live my life to serve others and I have been walking house to house, just knocking on every door, checking on my people and ensuring that all of them are in good stead. And, with that, the support continues to be obtained and delivered to the people in the division,” declared Myles.

He pointed out that another area of major concern is McNeil Land which remains under flood waters.

“Those people are marooned in that area and I am having a very big challenge,” said Myles.

“I am seeking medical supplies especially disinfectant, bleach, and sanitising agents because the odour that is there is really and truly bad. I am very fearful about the health risk that is being imposed on these residents that are there. So, I am seeking assistance,” pleaded Myles who was unable to state the cause of the stench.