St Elizabeth under water amid Hurricane Melissa...some families trapped in Black River - McKenzie

All of St Elizabeth is “under water” as Hurricane Melissa continues to pound Jamaica, leaving widespread flooding and damage across several parishes, Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie says.

Speaking at a news conference on Tuesday afternoon, McKenzie described the devastation in the southern parish as extensive, noting that “a number of families” were trapped in their homes in Black River, the parish capital.

He said rescue teams were struggling to reach affected residents because of the dangerous conditions.

The local government minister also reported blocked roads across the country due to fallen trees and utility poles, and said the National Works Agency was mobilising teams to clear major thoroughfares.

McKenzie added that four hospitals in western Jamaica were affected by the storm, including the Black River Hospital in St Elizabeth, which has lost power.

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McKenzie said he was unable to provide specific details on the extent of the damage caused by the hurricane, as assessments are only just getting under way.

He noted that while the powerful system is moving away from Jamaica, heavy rainfall, flooding, and strong winds will continue to affect the island.