Overnight rains flood sections of Portland

Gareth Davis, Gleaner Writer

Heavy rains continue to pound Portland leaving several roadways and communities inundated and triggering fear among residents living in low-lying and flood-prone areas of the parish.

The rains, which have been lashing the parish for the past eight hours have resulted in the Rio Grande overflowing its banks, cutting off access to at least one community.

Several residents are also reportedly displaced in the community of Berrydale, home of the lone raftstand operated by Rio Grande Rafting, Portland's premier tourists attraction.

Meanwhile, in West Portland, the newly constructed Rio Grande Bridge in St Margaret's Bay was covered by water and the grounds of the nearby Transport Authority office flooded, leaving several vehicles under water.