NEOC reports on state of Territory
DDM - Wednesday, October 6th, 2010 at 9:42 PM
Wednesday, October 6 – His Excellency the Governor, Chairman of the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC), Mr. Boyd McCleary, OBE, CVO, received extensive reports from emergency response agencies on major infrastructural damage to Tortola and the Sister Islands as a result of heavy rains the Territory experienced over the last 24 hours.
At an emergency meeting today held at the NEOC major infrastructural damage and flooding were reported in the western, northern and central areas of Tortola including, Main Street, Lower Estate, Huntum’s Ghut, Purcell Estate, Pockwood Pond, Capoon’s Bay, Ballast Bay, Carrot Bay, and Cane Garden Bay.
The DDM recorded 10.2 inches of rain for October 5, and 5.99 inches as of 1:00 pm today from its station in McNamara. The Director of DDM, Ms. Sharlene Dabreo alerted the NEOC that the Territory will experience more rain over the next 24 hours.
Acting Director of the Public Works Department, Dr. Drexel Glasgow, stated that the infrastructural damage to the Territory sustained during these rains resulted in more damage than the floods of 2003 and Hurricane Earl thus far. He added, many roads are undermined, ghuts overflooding, homes damaged, coastlines impacted and landslides and flooding has impacted many homes and businesses.
The Fire and Rescue Services Department reported 18 emergency rescue efforts on Tortola and one on Virgin Gorda, after homes were flooded and roads became impassable.
The Water and Sewage Department reported that the island of Tortola is currently experiencing major water disruption as a result of impacts to the water systems. Therefore, persons are strongly encouraged to practice water conservation as more rains are expected and possibly more damage.
The BVI Electricity Corporation has restored power to the majority of Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada and Great Camanoe, with the exception of isolated areas on those islands. However power has not been restored to Jost Van Dkye but works are being carried out to restore power as soon as possible.
The Road Town Methodist Church emergency shelter was opened earlier today and more shelters are expected to be activated in the next few hours. Persons that have already experienced flooding and damage to homes are strongly encouraged to relocate to the shelters or seek information from DDM or your district representative.
Governor McCleary will be making a statement at 4:00pm today and will host a press conference to inform the public on the state of the Territory and what is expected over the next 24 hours. The public is reminded to stay indoors and refrain from traversing the roads as a matter of public safety.
The NEOC continues to monitor all tropical systems and provide releases as necessary. Please call the NEOC at 468-4200 or visit website at www.bviddm.com for continuously updated information.
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