Garwin Davis, Assistant News Editor
SCORES OF persons were forced to evacuate their homes in Port Antonio yesterday as massive flooding ravaged sections of the resort town.
Up to press time yesterday, the Port Antonio police were describing the situation as extremely worrying, noting that rescue workers were not adequately equipped to handle speedy evacuation.
"As we speak the entire police station here is flooded out," explained Corporal Yvonne Atkinson. "If the rain should continue on this same path, I am afraid the situation can only get worse. Currently, most of the main roads leading in and out of the town are impassable and many houses are on the verge of collapsing. Believe me when I say we could have another Swift River situation on our hand."
Last year, large sections of Portland, notably the Swift River area, were damaged by flooding. Hundreds of persons lost their homes and were forced to remain in shelters for months. The situation got so bad that the Government eventually had to declare the parish a disaster area.
Corporal Atkinson said that it was particularly worrying seeing that there is only one fire rescue unit in the town which she said has been busy assisting with the evacuation of persons. "Our message to people right now is to get out of their homes if you indeed sense danger don't wait until you are trapped," she said.
Assistant Supt. Denzel Roper of the Port Antonio Fire Brigade said his unit had only recently returned from the Stony Hill district, located just outside the town where 15 persons had to be rescued. He said his agency had been flooded with calls and fully expects to be working round the clock for at least the next 24 hours.
"The National Works Agency (NWA) has been contacted and all their teams are on full alert," he said. "There have been lots of landslides and the falling of trees a lot of roads need clearing."
Faye Neufville, parish co-ordinator for the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), said rescue workers are closely monitoring the situation, ensuring that shelters remain open to accommodate those who need to be evacuated.
"We have a meeting planned for later this evening but I don't know how that will turn out, considering that many of those who should be here are marooned," Ms. Neufville said.
Meanwhile, some residents describe their ordeal, "My house is flooded out water all over the place," explained Mazie Keyes, a resident of Boundbrook. For Adassa Spaulding, it was a frightening experience, "I woke up to find a lot of mud all over my room," she said. "There was a huge landslide behind my house and I guess a lot of dirt just got washed in."
ODPEM issues warningTHE OFFICE of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) is advising that persons do not attempt to cross flooded roadways, and to avoid travelling in areas subject to sudden flooding. The ODPEM is also urging persons living in flood-prone areas to place essential items of appliances and furniture upon concrete blocks above the water level; however, if the water continues to rise they are urged to evacuate immediately.
Plans afoot for permanent Yallahs bridgeSEVEN MONTHS after the 240-foot temporary Bailey bridge was constructed at the Yallahs fording in St. Thomas following heavy rains associated with Hurricane Lili, it has been washed away.
Acting on the advice of Prime Minister P. J. Patterson, Transport and Works Minister, Robert Pickersgill, visited the area yesterday and gave in-structions to the National Works Agency (NWA) to "expedite" preparations for the construction of a new, permanent bridge to span the fording.
According to a release from the NWA, just two weeks ago, a $180 million financing arrangement was signed under the Mabey Bridge Replacement Programme for the construction of the new bridge. The release said the bridge should be ready for opening within another 20 months.
