Sharone Grant, a resident of Spring Bank, St Thomas, struggles to get past a fallen tree and mud along what was once the main road to the community. The road was cut off by a landslide. - Norman Grindley/Acting Photography Editor

Residents in the hills of Spring Bank, St Thomas, were yesterday still marooned after rains from Tropical Storm Gustav caused a landslide to destroy part of the road.

On arrival in Port Morant in the parish Wednesday, vehicles had to brave a series of broken roads, debris and stones.

As a result of landslides caused by the heavy rains, the National Water Commission and Jamaica Public Service Company Ltd have faced challenges in restoring electricity to sections of the parish.

Hungry and scared

Residents of Bath and Airy Castle, which are some of the most affected communities, said houses in Spring Bank have suffered from severe flooding.

"Nuff youths want to go to school and can't because the road is cut-off," said Kevin Scott. "Those who can come down do, but a lot of children and babies are hungry and scared."

He added: "We have a farming area, but all of the crops have been blown out."

Sharone Grant, a shopkeeper from the same community, was returning home with goods from a shopping trip.

"I've had to close the shop because I've run out of stock, all the rice, flour and bottle drinks are gone. We need some serious help as the whole district is cut off," she said.

Scott insisted that the landslide was a disaster waiting to happen as, she said, several complaints have been lodged to officials regarding the road and the proximity of the river. Residents have urged the parish council to place a mechanism to divert the river away from the roadside to no avail.