Hurricane Beryl leaves devastation in Alligator Pond

Residents of Compound in Alligator Pond, located on the border of St Elizabeth and Manchester, are currently grappling with the severe aftermath of Hurricane Beryl. 

The powerful storm left a trail of destruction, blowing off several roofs and causing damage to crops estimated to be in the millions.

"We see the zinc dem a fly all over the place and roofs cascading, everything in my house is water," a resident told The Gleaner. 

"Recovery going to take time even with assistance we might get from the authorities," he added.

Another resident recounted the danger they faced as zinc sheets were sent flying: "I had to be ducking to avoid being hit."

The community is now facing significant challenges, with many residents staying with relatives until essential utilities like electricity and running water are restored.

Member of Parliament Robert Chin visited the area yesterday to survey the destruction, but he could not be reached for comments.

However, councillor for the Alligator Pond division, Omar Robinson, said they are presently preparing care packages for affected residents. 

"We have been summoned by the mayor to get relief packages for those affected, we are targeting the vulnerable and shut-ins who were unable to access the shelters," he said.

Robinson said there are persons on the ground now doing data collection of persons whose houses and crops were damaged to provide further assistance. 

- Ruddy Mathison

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