Minister of Local Government and Rural Development Desmond McKenzie has expressed regret at the loss of life that occurred as a result of flooding in Montego Bay, St James on Tuesday, April 14.

The body of 12-year-old Jenell Walters was recovered about a mile and a half from where she was washed away by raging floodwaters in Montego Bay.

Jenell and her 68-year-old grandmother Beryl Walters were among occupants of a motor car that was swept away by the raging waters following heavy rain.

READ: UPDATE: Body of 12-y-o washed away by flood waters found

“I am distressed at the reports that a twelve-year-old child and her grandmother were washed away in the Westgate area of Montego Bay. The latest information is that the child’s body was recovered by the Marine Police and that the adult has not yet been found. I must express my deep condolences to the family which is now in mourning,” McKenzie said in a statement on Tuesday.

McKenzie has also urged the public to exercise caution as rains associated with the trough move across the central Caribbean.

A flash flood warning has been issued for Portland, St Mary, St Ann, Trelawny and St James, while a flash flood watch is in effect for all parishes.

READ: Flash flood warning in effect for some parishes

“Other parts of St James have been the scenes of flooding including Fairview, Westgate Hills, South Gully and St Clavers Avenue. In Portland, affected areas include Bybrook and Harris Crescent. We have also received reports of flooding in parts of the Corporate Area including Marcus Garvey Drive. The Parish Disaster Coordinators are on alert across the country, and, thankfully, there has been no need to open any shelters at this point,” he added.

The Minister said the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management is working in partnership with the National Works Agency and the Local Authorities to respond as swiftly and decisively as conditions allow; and once the trough has dissipated, the work of assessing damage will begin.