As the island prepares for the possible impacts of tropical Storm Melissa, the National Works Agency has been assessing several vulnerable areas across the island.
 
Works Minister Robert Nesta Morgan said a number of areas were assessed including McGregor and Burgher gullies.
 
He was speaking yesterday during a special press briefing at the office of the prime minister, on the preparations for the approach of the tropical storm.

Morgan said at McGregor Gully, sand bags have been strategically placed as part of flood mitigation efforts.

Other vulnerable areas being assessed are the shoemaker gully in the vicinity of gem road and the Sandy Gully from Manor Park to Seaview Gardens, where work has begun in the vicinity of the Spanish Town Road.

He added that the government continues to monitor several sections of the Sandy Gully and its tributaries, to see where the vulnerabilities exist, to ensure that in case of an event, quick action can be taken to prevent a disaster.
 
Morgan noted that the challenge that the government is increasingly facing, is with persons who live on gully banks, who are vulnerable during rain events.

The minister added that the NWA has engaged with several contractors across the island, who have been encouraged to stockpile materials including river shingle that will be essential to the provision of access to critical corridors which may be damaged or destroyed during a rain event.