Relief Efforts Continue in St. Elizabeth

The St. Elizabeth Parish Council, with the assistance of the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), has been assisting residents in the parish, whose lives have been disrupted as a result of the heavy rains and flooding last week.
The Social Development Commission (SDC), Jamaica Red Cross, and political representatives, are also involved in the distribution of relief items to affected communities.
St. Elizabeth Parish Disaster Coordinator, Renee Bradford-Britton, speaking to JIS News during a tour of flood-affected areas on Saturday (Oct. 2), said that the National Works Agency (NWA) has been clearing blocked roads, and placing warning signs at danger spots.
She is urging residents to obey the signs, noting that many motorists have been attempting to cross the flooded New Market area, and have had to be rescued.
“If you see a large bed of water, do not attempt to cross, use an alternative route that is much safer,” she advised.
Mrs. Bradford-Britton said that while emergency shelters are open in the parish, persons are opting to stay with relatives and friends.
She told JIS News that come Monday (Oct. 4), there will be a special sitting of the parish’s Disaster Preparedness Committee, commencing at 10: 00 am in the Council’s Chambers, Black River. “The purpose of this meeting is to coordinate and plan the current relief activities, and look ahead,” she informed.
Meanwhile, Councillor for the Mountainside Division, Derrick Sangster, who was distributing relief items in the Parottee community, said that over the past six days, he, along with Member of Parliament for South West St. Elizabeth, Hon. Dr. Christopher Tufton, have been touring the area and assisting the most affected persons with blankets, rain coats, and basic food items.
“It is a difficult time for those residents, but with our presence and assistance, they will be able to weather through,” Councillor Sangster stated.