54 homes flooded in St Thomas, 13 people now in shelter -- Labour Ministry

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security says 54 homes in Bath, St Thomas, were flooded on Friday amid the heavy rains across most of the island.

A statement from the labour ministry on Saturday said 13 people are currently being accommodated at a shelter opened at Bath Primary School.

It said the ministry has received reports of flooded roads in Portland, “but no reports of flooded homes in that parish”.

The labour ministry said it has already mobilised relief supplies for affected families.

“Supplies being prepared for distribution include food packages, drinking water, water buckets, mattresses, blankets, tarpaulins, mops, disinfectant, bleach, hygiene kits and adult and children diapers,” the statement said.

Othneil Smith, the ministry’s acting parish manager for St Thomas, said a team is already on the ground delivering supplies and “remains on alert as rainfall continues”.

The labour ministry said its Public Assistance Director and Director of Disaster Rehabilitation and Welfare Services have been working alongside the St Thomas Municipal Corporation to coordinate the delivery of essential supplies.

Priority will be given to the 13 people at the shelter, it said.

The statement said the labour ministry is also working with St Thomas Eastern Member of Parliament Rosemarie Shaw and the Parish Disaster Coordinator to assess affected households and determine additional needs.

Minister of Labour and Social Security Pearnel Charles Jr said his ministry is focussed on responding to the immediate needs.

“When flooding disrupts people’s lives and forces families from the safety of their homes, our response must be swift. We are working to get essential supplies to those affected,” said Charles Jr.

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