Bog Walk Gorge closed due to rising water levels

The National Works Agency (NWA) has announced the closure of the Bog Walk Gorge, as water levels in the Rio Cobre rise due to ongoing heavy rainfall.

Manager of Communication and Customer Services at the NWA, Stephen Shaw gave an update on Radio Jamaica on Wednesday evening. At the time he said the Flat Bridge was not yet submerged. 

In a subsequent statement around 6:30 p.m., the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) said the NWA had reported that the water level in the gorge had reached a critical point, prompting the activation of the flood control gate to ensure public safety.

ODPEM is urging the public to avoid using the Bog Walk Gorge corridor under any circumstances.

Meanwhile, as the island continues to experience significant rainfall, ODPEM is advising residents, particularly those in low-lying or flood-prone areas, to be on high alert and ready to evacuate if necessary.

The agency has issued several precautionary measures for public safety, including identifying evacuation routes, securing important documents in waterproof containers, and avoiding damaged roads and areas prone to land slippage and flooding.

Additionally, ODPEM is warning against crossing flooded waterways such as fords, gullies, streams, or rivers, whether on foot or in vehicles, as there have been recent incidents of people being swept away in floodwaters.

Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant as the heavy rainfall continues across the island.

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