A family of sixteen persons, including twelve children, are now homeless after their house collapsed in Breastwork, Portland early this morning (Jan 7).

Homeowner Yvette Brown says she was awakened by strange sounds shortly after 4 a.m. and upon investigation, she noticed cracks in the wall of a room and veranda.

She said shortly after, the house collapsed and she lost everything.

Meantime, Member of Parliament for East Portland Lynvale Bloomfield says care packages are being given out to affected residents.

He says the family in Breastwork, whose home collapsed, decided to stay with other relatives.

The Breastwork, Bound Brook and West Street main roads in Port Antonio are impassable due to heavy showers and rising waters.

And, the Blue Berry main road in Port Antonio is reduced to a single lane.

Over in West Portland, continuous rainfall has affected residents of Canewood district.

The Swift River has once again overflowed its banks.

One resident, Andrea Rhoden, whose home has been flooded, is appealing for help, after losing several items.