Lisa Henry (centre) walks through murky water with two of her children to their home in Pondside Drive, Eight Miles, Bull Bay, St. Andrew, after the onslaught of Hurricane Dean. - Peta-Gaye Clachar/Staff Photographer

A health hazard is looming at Pondside Drive, in Eight Miles, Bull Bay, St. Andrew, as children and adults have to walk in flood waters, reportedly contaminated with sewage, to get out of their homes.

Separated from the sea by the Eight Miles main road, Pondside Drive and adjoining areas are under water.

The residents said that, during the onslaught of Hurricane Dean, the sea overflowed a nearby pond that flooded into their homes.

Now the parents have to grapple with their children having to walk in the murky water.

Lisa Henry, a mother of four, said she saw faeces floating in the water on Wednesday.

Diarrhoea case

"One of my sons now has diarrhoea and he is asthmatic," Miss Henry said.

"I also see some bumps coming up on my daughter's arm and me no know a what that," she added.

Another parent, Tracy-Ann Mitchell, said the water developed a foul odour and changed colour on Tuesday.

"We no have no water or light so me bathe my son in the nearby pond. What must I do? Him have to bathe," Ms. Mitchell said.

A few parents also noted that, along with losing their possessions, their children's belongings, such as clothes and back-to-school supplies were washed away.

"I can't even tell if they are still there (in the house) because the water is still there and I can't get to go through my stuff," Miss Mitchell said.

Ms. Henry added: "I buy khaki suits for two of the boys and now them wash away. I also lose their shoes and their beds."

Meanwhile, as the water floods their homes, some residents complete their dressing at the roadside.

Vernon Clarke, a retired policeman, leaves his house barefooted and with his pants rolled up to his knees.

At the edge of the main road he puts on his shoes.

"[The hurricane] gone with all the doors," Mr. Clarke, who has been living in the area since 1979, said.

While they want the water to be pumped out of the area, the parents are also requesting that health personnel visit the community.