Heavy rains create havoc in Portland
Published:Sunday | December 24, 2023 | 8:02 AMGareth Davis Sr - Sunday Gleaner Writer
RIO GRANDE VALLEY, Portland:
After two days of heavy rainfall, at least three communities in the Rio Grande Valley were marooned in Portland on Saturday as a result of flooded roadways. The deluge also inundated many homes.
The rains, which started on Friday, battered sections of Pigdry, Seaman’s Valley, Windsor, and other areas, leaving a trail of destruction in the communities with significant damage to the road network, crops, livestock, and houses.
Portland Eastern Member of Parliament Ann-Marie Vaz told The Sunday Gleaner yesterday that a work crew with heavy-duty equipment had been dispatched to the worst affected areas to clear blocked roadways, remove debris, clean drains, and clear land slippages.
“This is rather unfortunate, but no one has control over the weather. This is not the kind of Christmas present that I want for my East Portland family,” Vaz commented.
“I am aware that several houses were flooded out and farmlands were inundated, resulting in crops being damaged and destroyed. Some livestock farmers lost their animals, and so it is really a frustrating time for just about everyone living in that section of the Rio Grande Valley, which is really the breadbasket of the parish,” the member of parliament added.
“I understand also that a section of Breastworks was also affected by flooding. We really wanted the rain, but it came and brought along with it significant damage. The road network in the Rio Grande Valley is also seriously affected. As soon as the rain subsides, I will be visiting the area to see what can be done to meet the immediate needs of the people.”
The newly asphalted roadway from Pigdry to Seaman’s Valley was ripped apart after water from the White Cane River inundated the main thoroughfare, resulting also in several farmlands with several hectares of banana, plantain, pumpkin, pepper, and other crops being destroyed.
‘DAH ONE YAH LICK HARD’
Homeowner Terrel Mayson, who lives in Pigdry, told The Sunday G leaner that shortly after 6 a.m. on Saturday, he was awakened by the sound of running water. He then realised that his three-bedroom dwelling was flooded.
Mayson said that he frantically began packing away some personal items and valuables, even while securing a television set, a clothes iron, a standing fan, items of clothing, bedding equipment, and footwear.
Making matters worse, he later realised that his entire backyard was flooded, which could prevent him from evacuating should the need arise.
Mayson said that although it was not the first time that he was affected by flooding, this was the worst it has been for him.
Farmer Neville Paul said that he lost two cows and eight goats after floodwaters washed away his livestock, which were on a property near a river in Pigdry.
According to Paul, the heavy downpour caused the White Cane River to overflow its bank, resulting in the entire area being flooded.
“Mi lose more than $900,000 as eight goats and two cows washed away. It is a big loss fi mi, and mi nuh know what me a go do now. My friend lose a cow and other farmers lost crops such as banana, plantain, and pumpkin. It is not di first time dat we a get flood out, but dah one yah lick hard,” said Paul.