Howard Campbell, Gleaner Writer
This motorcyclist slowly rides through floodwaters from the Big Pond in St. Catherine that has overflowed its banks in the community of Bannister, just outside of Old Harbour, St. Catherine, yesterday. - RICARDO MAKYN/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
HEAVY RAINS associated with the 24th tropical depression of the hurricane season affected most of Jamaica for a fifth straight day yesterday, with the National Meteorological Service (MET Office) forecasting even more rainfall today.
The MET Office released a statement yesterday afternoon saying that the tropical depression is located 175 kilometres southwest of Negril Point. According to the statement, there will be 'moderate to heavy showers and thunderstorms across all parishes along with strong gusty winds' today.
A flash-flood warning remains in effect until 5:00 a.m today, with areas getting from 4-6 inches of rain.
NO MAJOR DAMAGE
There were no reports of major damage from the rural areas after yesterday's persistent rains, but in the flood-prone area of New River in St. Elizabeth, residents are once again bracing to bail out following another heavy downpour.
Roger Clarke, the Member of Parliament for North East St. Elizabeth, where New River is located, told The Gleaner yesterday that the situation has not reached crisis proportions but given the history of the area whenever there is heavy rainfall, officials are monitoring New River and nearby Braes River where there is said to be minor flooding.
"It hasn't reached a point where there is panic, but it's beginning to concern me," said Mr. Clarke.
He said several drains in New River and Braes River are blocked and he expects the National Irrigation Commission to come in and clear them.
FLOODING
New River has experienced several incidents of flooding in recent years, the most devastating being in June 2002 and September 2004 when Hurricane Ivan struck. In both cases, many families were forced to leave their homes and enter shelters.
Flooding also occurred in New River during July when Hurricanes Dennis and Emily passed over St. Elizabeth.
Field officers for the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) said there were no dramatic incidents in areas like St. Ann, which like St. Elizabeth, has felt the brunt of heavy rains in recent times.
ODPEM officers in St. Mary and Hanover said that there was intermittent showers in their region but said they had no reports of damage, flooding or misplaced families.
However, in St.Thomas the Yallahs fording and Bull Bay fording were impassable. Chalky River and Serge Island Rivers overflowed their banks.
Teams from the Jamaica Fire Brigade as well as the National Works Agency were dispatched to render emergency assistance.
