Floods block main road, trap people amid heavy rains in Jamaica

 Floods caused by heavy rains since Friday night have overflown a main road in Jamaica and trapped people in their vehicles.
The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) said the downpours have resulted in the collapse of a bridge in central area of the island and caused serious floods in some parts of the country.
The Bog walk Gorge, part of a main road that connects the south and north coast of Jamaica, was blocked by flood water overflowing from the river along the roadway, which has trapped "numerous" vehicles, local media reported.
Local authorities on Saturday evening suggested that motorists take alternative routes to travel across the island.
Jamaica Defense Force, Jamaica Constabulary Force and the Jamaica Fire Brigade were sent to rescue those trapped in their vehicles and 17 people have been transferred to safe places since Saturday afternoon.
This round of rainfalls in Jamaica was caused by a stationary front that is currently moving across the island, according to the National Meteorological Service.
The agency asked residents to get prepared for further rains as a trough will linger on around the central Caribbean over the next two days even though the frontal system weakens.