Boatmen assist flood victims in reclaiming their possessions following heavy rains in Wakefield, Trelawny, recently. - PHOTOS AND TEXT BY CLAUDINE HOUSEN, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
TWO WEEKS ago, several residents of Wakefield, Trelawny, Jamaica were forced to run for their lives when rising waters engulfed sections of the community.
Last week, just as they were moving back into their homes, the residents received another setback when heavy rains led to another bout of flooding.
The Gleaner team visited the community on Saturday to see how residents were coping. Approximately 48 persons have been affected, three of whom are sheltered in the community church, The Lord's Chapel.
On entering the flooded area, there was a pungent odour as many of the pit latrines and soak-away sewage systems had been inundated.
But despite the dilemma, one thing held strong - community spirit.
Residents gathered to assist boatmen who were manning trips into the flooded areas to retrieve items. Others had taken flood victims into their homes, while some sought refuge in the community church.
Unsure of when the waters will recede, health authorities have advised residents to boil their drinking water and desist from walking in the murky waters.
