St James severely impacted by Melissa

Local government minister Desmond McKenzie says St James was severely impacted by Hurricane Melissa on Tuesday.

The Barnett River overflowed, with up to 16 feet of water covering sections of Montego Bay.

Public infrastructure suffered extensive damage, including the infirmary, the St James Municipal Corporation building, Jarrett Park, St James High School and the Sangster International Airport.

With some communication finally coming through from Western parishes most affected by Hurricane Melissa, McKenzie says most of them are distress calls.

He says overnight there were calls of persons trapped on roofs.

McKenzie says first responders are now making efforts to rescue persons, particularly in the Catherine Hall area of St James.

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