D6 gets sandbags to prevent flooding

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As the territory braces for more heavy rains, Sixth District Representative Myron Walwyn has procured sandbags for his constituents who are among those most vulnerable to flooding on Tortola.

“Sandbags have been arranged for persons who may need [them] due to the impending weather. Contact the district office at 540-0802,” Walwyn said on his Facebook page.

The use of sandbags is a simple, but effective way to prevent or reduce flood water damage. Properly filled and placed, sandbags can act as a barrier to divert moving water around, instead of through, buildings.

But the method gives serious insight into the vulnerability of BVI residents – many of whom pride themselves on having a higher standard of living than their Caribbean neighbours — but remain at the mercy of the dilapidated public infrastructure, including drains and ghuts that are not properly maintained.

Some weeks ago, heavy rains doused the territory and caused severe flooding in Road Town. It’s understood that businesses in the capital also used sandbags to protect their property from rising flood waters.

According to Chairman of the BVI Chamber of Commerce,ee Shaina Smith-Archer the sandbags are a cheaper alternative to insurance as many businesses can’t afford coverage for flooding due to the additional high cost they’d have to incur.

The 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season is expected to be an active one, with 23 named storms projected throughout the season which starts on June 1 and ends November 30.

Eleven hurricanes are expected to form, and of those, five are expected to develop into major hurricanes of Category 3 strength or stronger.

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