torrential rain swept across Bermuda, a Minister said yesterday.

Works and Engineering Minister C.V. (Jim) Woolridge said work was now underway to move the water under Marsh Folly Road and to ensure the problem could not happen again.

Last Thursday, Vincent Tuzo spotted cracks in the road which ran for about 150 yards.

They appeared just five months after the same stretch of road was re-opened after being rebuilt at a cost of $265,000 because of severe subsidence.

Mr. Woolridge said there was no blame to attach to the latest problems and there should be no need to close the road.

"Our engineers have looked at the cracks and we have determined the cause.

There has been some undermining of the existing structure.

"We are digging a trench so that the water can run off rather than undermine it further,'' said the Minister.

"For whatever reason the foundation was undermined by the torrential rain. We are taking steps to ensure it cannot happen again.

"There is no blame to be at tached for what has happened and we don't think the road will have to be closed.'' Marsh Folly Road, between Dutton Avenue and the old dump, was closed for five months last year before being reopened in December.

It was affected by severe subsidence and was sinking into Pembroke Marsh at the rate of one inch every 24 hours.