School marooned! Floodwaters trap students, teachers in St Mary

Pounding rains have left students and teachers at Baxter's Mountain Primary School in St Mary stranded, with surging floodwaters cutting off the only roadway leading to the institution.

By Wednesday afternoon, the entire school population was marooned after a nearby fording overflowed, swallowing the roadway and making it impossible for vehicles or even pedestrians to cross.

"We are now marooned and our students and teachers are unable to get home, as the fording is flooded," Principal Sherene Harris said as heavy showers continued to lash the area.

In a frightening turn, some students who had already boarded a taxi in a bid to get home were forced to turn back when the driver could not cross the rushing waters.

"The rain is pouring as we speak and so we probably will need an emergency rescue team to come into the area to assist with getting out the students and teachers," Harris added.

Communities across Southeast St Mary are also feeling the impact.

Member of Parliament Christopher Brown said areas such as Long Road, Broadgate and Baxter's Mountain have been badly affected, with some residents reportedly blocked in due to landslides.

"I have received reports that in the district of Long Road residents are blocked in due to landslide," Brown said, noting that the overflow at the Baxter's Mountain fording has trapped teachers and students at the school.

Brown said he is in contact with the National Works Agency and that teams are on the ground assessing the situation. He urged residents to remain alert and take all necessary precautions as the rains continue.

More later.

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