KINGSTON, Jamaica — In response to escalating water levels triggered by heavy rainfall on Friday, the Bog Walk Gorge flood traffic control gates have been shut down. The Office of Disaster Preparedness & Emergency Management (ODPEM) announced the closure in a statement, confirming that the Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB) and the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) were deployed to secure the area. Motorists are advised to utilize alternative routes, including the North South Highway, Sligoville Road, and Barry Road, to avoid the affected zone.
ODPEM also reported significant land slippage near the Sligoville Road entrance of the Gorge, which has obstructed over 90% of the passageway. Teams from the National Works Agency (NWA) and JFB are currently assessing the landslide to devise an appropriate response as rainfall persists. The agency emphasized that tampering with the flood control gates is illegal and poses serious risks to public safety, urging citizens to comply with safety protocols.
In light of the ongoing hurricane season, ODPEM issued several precautionary measures for residents in flood-prone areas. These include preparing evacuation plans, avoiding flooded waterways and damaged roadways, and safeguarding important documents in waterproof containers. The public is reminded to adhere to safety advisories from ODPEM, the Meteorological Service of Jamaica, and other relevant authorities to mitigate risks during this critical period.