Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller has instructed two ministries to carry out investigations into flood-ravaged Port Maria in St. Mary and other sections of North Eastern Jamaica battered by heavy rains in the last few days to determine the level of assistance needed by residents who have been severely affected by the inclement weather.

Mrs. Simpson Miller has asked Local Government Minister, Dean Peart, and Labour and Social Security Minister, Derrick Kellier, to ascertain the number of persons who have suffered loss as a result of the floods and are in need of urgent help.

Information Minister, Donald Buchanan, speaking at the weekly post-Cabinet press briefing at Jamaica House yesterday, said the Prime Minister would also be making a visit to the affected areas soon.

According to Mr. Buchanan the Government has already provided emergency supplies including food, mattresses and medical assistance to residents.

Government will also be assisting with funeral expenses for Pauline 'Junie' Shalland who died after a mudslide covered her house in Port Antonio, Portland last Friday.

Meanwhile, the Government is yet to provide an estimate on the damage to agricultural crops in the areas affected by heavy showers. There is also no estimate on infrastructural damage.

Mr. Buchanan explained that Agriculture Minister Roger Clarke was still gathering information on the extent of the damage to the agriculture sector.