Videos have gone viral of houses in Content, Manchester, being swallowed by rising water after the passage of Hurricane Melissa. The flooding forced residents to abandon their homes, and locals pleaded for help. In re severe flooding following the passage of Hurricane Melissa.
The Water Resources Authority (WRA) issued a statement following the viral videos, stating that the unusual flooding is caused by a rare phenomenon called a “groundwater mound” and heavy rainfall.
According to the report, the groundwater mound is created when water saturates the soil more quickly than it can naturally drain away. Because of this accumulation of subterranean water, the local aquifer system’s groundwater levels have significantly increased, forcing water to the surface and flooding the neighbourhood.
Data gathered from the Content borehole, which is roughly 250 meters southeast of the impacted area, showed that groundwater rose considerably to about 330 feet between September 25 and November 3, 2025, according to the Jamaica Observer. The agency also reported active water movement through a nearby sinkhole, further contributing to the surface flooding.
To monitor the worsening situation, the WRA has installed a flood gauge in the area and begun routine checks on water levels. Current readings show that fast-rising water increases by roughly 0.046 per hour. The floodwaters may continue to get higher until the groundwater level stabilises, based on the report.
The Authorities have also begun assessments in Comfort Hall and Evergreen, neighbouring communities that also have a history of groundwater-related flooding. Officials say these locations could influence the ongoing situation in Content, as water movement between areas might cause additional surges.
The WRA expects the groundwater mound to slowly move southwest over the next few weeks, mirroring a similar event that took place in 2002. Officials also mentioned that activating wells in lower areas could help release the excess water more quickly, allowing floodwaters to recede and easing the burden on residents.
