The Labour Ministry has started the distribution of relief supplies to persons impacted during the passage of Tropical Storm Rafael.

In the coming days, the ministry will be conducting assessments on homes damaged during the storm. 

Tropical Storm Rafael passed along the south coast of the island on Tuesday, with strong winds and heavy rains that caused flooding. 

Homes in several parishes were flooded, and other homes in some areas sustained damage from fallen trees. 

In a statement, the ministry said following extensive rainfall and flooding caused by Tropical Storm Rafael, several sections across the island were affected.

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security has been leading a Coordinated Disaster Relief Response to assist residents in impacted areas. 

The ministry’s parish teams have been mobilized and deployed.

The teams have been distributing relief items in areas affected by severe flooding and landslide conditions, across 8 parishes.  

Affected communities in Kingston and St Andrew include, Majestic Gardens, New Haven, Pondside Bull Bay, Burger Gully, Gordon Town and Riverton City.

In St Catherine, affected communities include, BigPond, Nightingale, Bushy Park, 31 St Johns Road, Caymanas Bay, and Waterloo.

Over in Clarendon, affected areas include Bog Hole, Rocky Point, Hayes, Palmers Cross, Racecourse, Waterlane, Western Park, Harris Street, York Town, Portland Cottage, Salt River, Mitchell Town, Halse Hall, Bowens, Coffals, Alley, and Longwood.

In Manchester, Kingsland and Alligator Pond were affected. 

Only McNeil Land District in Little London, in Westmoreland had impacts.  

In St Ann, affected areas include Sturge Town, Free Hill, and Bamboo.

While Cock Street in St. Mary was impacted. 

The Ministry said it provided essential relief supplies to several parishes, for distribution to residents experiencing critical shortages following the storm. 

About 2,260 food packages, 77 cases of drinking water, 195 hygiene kits, and 50 mattresses, have so far been provided.

Special attention is being placed on reaching some marooned residents of Mount Airy in St Andrew, in collaboration with the Jamaica Red Cross. 

Similar relief efforts are also underway to assist marooned residents in McNeil Land and Bay Road in Westmoreland. 

A shelter has been opened at the Eldin Washington Basic School, which is now housing 8 persons. 

The ministry said teams supported by the Poor Relief Department, the Salvation Army, Food for the Poor, Jamaica Red Cross, faith-based and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) have commenced the process of assessing damage to homes, in order to determine the level of support to be provided to householders. 

Residents whose homes have sustained damage are being urged to report these incidents. 

Affected persons should contact the ministry at its parish offices.