The National Works Agency (NWA) is currently clearing a number of roads in Portland which have been blocked as a result of the heavy rains that have affected the parish over the past two days.

The blockages, which have been caused by water inundation, landslips, fallen trees and debris have rendered many roadways in the eastern and western sections of the parish impassable, or only able to accommodate single lane traffic.

In a JIS release, Collin Morrison, senior communications officer at the NWA, said the agency was working assiduously to restore normality to the affected roadways as soon as possible, adding that routine maintenance contractors have been dispatched to ensure that the situation is treated with urgency.

Roadways that have been sufficiently cleared to enable single lane usage include: Windsor to Moore Town; Seaman's Valley to Mill Bank; Mill Bank to Friday; Tranquility to Bangor Ridge; Orange Bay to Windsor Castle; and Wakefield to Balcarres.

Noting that severe scouring had occurred on the surfaces of several of the affected roads, Mr. Morrison appealed to motorists to exercise care while travelling along those roads, and urged members of the public to cooperate with the efforts of the NWA.

The senior communications officer assured that the agency was carefully monitoring the situation in Portland to ensure that all emergency situations are dealt with.