Tyrone Reid, Staff ReporterTHE PASSING of Hurricane Dennis dealt punishing blows to the parish of Portland. But it was St. Thomas that took a terrible thumping from the relentless rainfall and wicked winds associated with the category two system.
The Junction main road that leads from St. Andrew into St. Mary was reduced to an obstacle course. Drivers had to proceed with caution. Land slippage, huge pieces of rocks coming from the hills were among some of the elements motorists had to skilfully avoid.
Making matters worse was the fact that portions of the hill and chunks of rock left hanging by slim vines, like chandeliers in mid air could come tumbling at any time. Traffic was reduced to a
single-lane crawl at several points and was blocked at least twice, as tractors from the National Works Agency removed debris that had rendered the road impassable.
NO ELECTRICITY
When The Sunday Gleaner arrived in Portland on Friday, residents of Bunny View Hill were without electricity, as the passing hurricane toppled the utility poles in the area. However, the centre of attraction in Portland apparently was the Rio Grande bridge. Strangely strengthened by the unyielding rainfall, the Rio Grande bridge was bolstered with bamboos, giving the structure an unsightly belly.
An eyewitness told The Sunday Gleaner that bamboos that had come from upstream, gathered around one of the pillars on which the bridge sat, while the rapidly-rushing Rio Grande washed away its base, forcing it to sink inches below the other pillars.
In the wee hours of Friday morning, the Portland police cordoned the entrance to the bridge with yellow tape. This was supposed to be a deterrent to those who were drawn to danger and would attempt to cross. However, this did not stop those who were determined to get to the 'other side', as both motorists and pedestrians disregarded the tape and traversed the bridge. Even a truck braved the dangerous dip and made it across safely.
Some persons were
obviously scared, as they called for individuals to lead them across the dangerous dip in the bridge. Others were quite composed while crossing. In addition to the belly in the bridge, while crossing one had to contend with holes in the surface of the bridge that gave an unwanted and bloodcurdling view of the rapidly-rushing Rio Grande beneath.
