THE LOCAL branch of the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) has reported that the entire community of Bangaridge, Portland, was evacuated by an emergency team yesterday.
The evacuation exercise was carried out after torrential rainfall caused by Hurricane Dennis flooded that community. The residents were reportedly transferred to the Lynch Park disaster shelter in Buff Bay.
Disaster coordinator for the ODPEM, Kimberly Brian, indicated that more than 340 persons are currently occupying shelters across the parish and that more than 100 of that number were being housed at the Manchioneal All Age School.
"The Manchioneal community came in for heavy battering," said Ms. Bryan. "Heavy rainfall and gusty winds reportedly threatened to disrupt their homes."
In Clarendon, residents of Mitchell Town, who sought refuge from threatening flood rains in their community centre yesterday, were appealing to the relevant authorities to assist them with food supplies and bedding.
MORE EXPECTED TO ARRIVE
When The Gleaner visited the community, shelter manager, Eulalee Thompson, said that some 27 persons were being housed at the shelter and more were expected to arrive later that day.
According to Ms. Thompson, rice had been donated to the displaced residents by the principal of the Mitchell Town Basic School. Ms. Thompson said that about two days supply of the rice remained.
Meanwhile, residents of the flood-prone area of Chigwell, Hanover are keeping a wary eye on rising water in the district.
Residents told The Gleaner/ Power 106 news team late yesterday that while it was still early days yet, they were a bit worried, especially as the hurricane season had started so early. The residents say they had suffered greatly after last year and are not looking forward to the rising waters again this year.
The district, which is about five miles from Hopewell, has had repeated incidents of flooding over the years and has suffered loss of livestock and homes.
- Paul Reid, Stephanie Elliott and Paul Reid contributed to this story
