Tropical Storm Rafael triggers landslides in Eastern Jamaica

Overnight rains have left several roadways in Portland and parts of St Mary impassable and in some instances open to single lane traffic only.

In Portland, sections of Cascade, Tranquility, Hollywell, Green Wood, Fairfield, and Bangaridge to Mahoe in West Portland, which were blocked last evening due to multiple land slippages, have been partially cleared and are now able to accommodate single lane traffic.

Meanwhile, the roadway at Birmingham Wood remains blocked due to a massive landslide. 

Councillor for the Balcarres division, Rohan Vassell told our news team that overnight rain caused by Tropical Storm Rafeal pounded the Buff Bay valley Monday night into Tuesday morning, triggering multiple landslides in several areas.

"Tranquility to Bangaridge is now being cleared and Mahoe and Mango Road was cleared this morning," he added.

Meanwhile, a Jamaica Public Service (JPS) utility pole has lost its foundation and is tilting towards the ground in Cascade.

Over in St Mary South Eastern, landslides in Flatfield, Clarke, Comfort Valley, and Rock River, have reduced those roadways to single lane traffic.

Member of Parliament Dr Norman Dunn is urging motorists to proceed with caution along those roadways and exercise patience at this time.

And Mayor of Port Maria, Fitzroy Wilson stated that rising turbidity in some of the water sources has resulted in water to several communities being locked off by the National Water Commission. 

Mayor Wilson said that there is disruption in electrical power in some areas of the parish including Comma Community near Mango Valley and Boscobel in St Mary Western.

We want to hear from you! Email us at star@gleanerjm.com and follow @thejamaicastar on Instagram and on X @JamaicaStar and on Facebook: @TheJamaicaStar.