Preliminary estimate of rain damage expected today

The country could be told today the preliminary cost of damage caused by heavy rains which destroyed bridges, roads, homes and crops as well as leaving some rural towns under water.

The Government indicated on Tuesday that a comprehensive review was being undertaken and estimates should be ready by Friday.

It was indicated that 10 parishes hit hard by the heavy rains, the worse being Clarendon.

At that time, Local Government Minister, Desmond McKenzie, stated that the estimate of the damage is likely to be much higher than the $490 million it cost the country when heavy rains hit southern and eastern parishes late last month.

Some $550 million has been budgeted this fiscal year for contingency funding.