OCHO RIOS, St Ann:

SEVERAL HOUSES and at least one basic school in Ocho Rios were damaged on Wednesday as Hurricane Sandy moved across the island.

Disaster coordinator Alvin Clarke said four houses in Seville Heights and Steer Town were damaged when trees fell on them. Chairman for Pineapple Basic School Dennis Gordon said the roof of the school was blown off and this will cause resumption of classes to be pushed back. In Claremont, a resident told The Gleaner that she saw a house losing its roof during the storm. No one was injured.

Up to early afternoon on Wednesday, persons could still be seen stocking up on food items at a service station in Ocho Rios.

Meanwhile, Dr Roosevelt Crooks, resort board chairman, said checks with hotels in the parish confirmed that all was well in that sector. On the street, a police presence was evident throughout the day.

- Carl Gilchrist