Gov’t begins preliminary damage assessment in wake of Tropical Storm Rafael
KINGSTON, Jamaica— The government has been instructed by Prime Minister Andrew Holness to begin an islandwide assessment of the damage caused by Tropical Storm Rafael.
Heavy rainfall, strong winds and flooding associated with the tropical storm affected sections of Jamaica on Tuesday, as the weather system passed the island.
This, followed weeks of sustained rainfall in sections of the island which resulted in landslides, fallen trees and road blockages.
According to a press release from the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, some affected areas include:
- St Andrew: breakaways in Mount Prospect, Mount Airy and Golden Spring; and flooding from Stony Hill to Time River.
- St Catherine: flooding in the Bog Walk Gorge and Troja; and landslides from Tavern Hill to Vanity Fair.
- St Thomas: flooding between Lloyds and Lowe Mountain; and landslides in the Bethel to Richmond Gap area.
- Manchester: flooding on Newleigh Road and Decarteret Road; and fallen trees on New Green Road.
- Kingston: flooding along Chesterfield Drive.
“The National Works Agency (NWA) is leading the assessment efforts and will deploy teams and resources to clear blocked routes and restore access to critical areas. Prime Minister Holness says priority must be given to areas where essential services and first responders, including the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) and the National Water Commission (NWC), require access to provide aid and support,” the ministry said.
Minister with responsibility for Works, Robert Nesta Morgan, added that the NWA has activated its Emergency Operation Centre since Monday and is logging field reports in real-time to assign resources efficiently.
He added that presently, efforts are focused on clearing debris, reopening roads, and assessing damage severity.
Minister Morgan informed that interventions will include the cleaning of silted drains, restoration of main thoroughfares, and the construction of new infrastructure like retaining walls and river training as funds allow.
“Meanwhile, Prime Minister Holness affirms the government’s dedication to ensuring the safety of all residents in the affected regions and a rapid recovery process,” the release said.
It added that updates will be provided as assessments progress and damage estimates are consolidated.
