News Flash: One Dead As JDF HELICOPTER Airlifts Emergency Supplies …

As the Andrew Holness administration attempts to bring normalcy to Jamaica following days of torrential showers, there is a report that one Brown, 26 described as a farmer drowned while asleep in TROUT HALL, CLARENDON PARISH, in rural Jamaica W.I.  Rising flood waters inundated his house as rivers overran their banks.

An estimated 11 inches of rain fell over a 12 hours period.

Bridges Washed Away

Two bridges have washed away in Clarendon.  Roads have broken in two and rendered impassable.  This development has called for the need to airlift food supplies to marooned residents.

HELICOPTER

A Jamaica Defense Force Helicopter has not been able to land due to the terrain.  The situation is becoming critical as food and other supplies run low due to being cut off from the main towns.

PM Tours

As reported in Vision, PM Andrew Michael Holness cut short an official trip to return to Jamaica to take charge of the widespread devastation caused by persistent rains.

Aenon Town

Some 17 feet of water has risen in Aenon Town, Clarendon, forcing the rural town to be evacuated.  Rivers around the town have overran their banks.

We regret the loss of life and property due to the ill effects of the flooding.

Local Government

Desmond Mackenzie, Local Government Minister declared that damage to infrastructure is estimated  to be $800 million Jamaican dollars.

Tractors and other earth moving equipment have been mobilized to clear blocked drains and roads.

Hopeton O’Connor-Dennie is Senior International Correspondent and Photojournalist for Vision Newspaper.