A number of homes and businesses in St. Mary have been damaged following heavy flooding on Tuesday.

Mayor of Port Maria Richard Creary in an interview with Irie Fm news disclosed that only businesses at high levels escaped flooding.

The flood waters have receded.

He said a number of persons have had to seek refuge at the emergency shelter in Pagee.

According to Mayor Creary, the rain that started on Monday lashed areas including Oracabessa and Islington.

He noted that one particular business has reported at least 1 million dollars in losses.

He said assistance should be provided to the affected persons following assessments from the government.

And Mayor Creary said the flooding in Port Maria could have been triggered by the inability of the water to flow into the sea.

As such, he is calling for the implementation of the National Works Agency’s drainage programme in the town.