Andrea Downer, Gleaner Writer
National Works Agency crewmen clear debris deposited on the main road in the Bog Walk gorge after heavy rains caused the Rio Cobre to breach its banks yesterday. - RUDOLPH BROWN/CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
RELIEF AND works agencies were spearheading an operation to rescue approximately 100 persons trapped in the Bog Walk gorge, up to late
last night.
The National Works Agency (NWA) and the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) were also busy trying to clear landslides which had blocked two sections of the Junction main road in the vicinity of Grande Hole.
Motorists in the gorge were forced to climb a hilly embankment to escape the rising waters. At press time, at least one car had been swept away by the strong currents, but no one was inside at the time.
Ian Ingram, one of 15 passengers in a public passenger bus, told The Gleaner last night that the vehicles had crossed Flat Bridge and were proceeding towards Linstead, when they encountered rising waters.
MAROONED BY RISING WATER
When they attempted to return to Spanish Town, they were marooned by rising water.
Dr. Barbara Carby, director general of ODPEM, told The Gleaner last night that her office was trying to get the Jamaica Defence Force to use one of its helicopters to airlift the stranded persons. She said efforts were also being made to contact residents of the area who were recently trained in swift-river rescue to assist with the operation.
