Flooding, fallen boulders, office closure on VG

Mark Vanterpool

There are reports of flooding, fallen boulders, and business closure on the island of Virgin Gorda following unstable weather conditions (rain, thunderstorms and lightening) generated early this morning by a persistent trough affecting the territory.

The area covering Scotia Bank and the Catholic Community Centre has been flooded, resulting also in the premature closure of the BVI Electricity Corporation office in the said location.

Minister of Communication and Works Mark Vanterpool has indicated that rehabilitation works on the Lee Road has caused the flooding.

“This is highly due to the drains not being fully functional yet. The contractor is mobilizing now to get the water pumped out, as that will be the only immediate relief,” Vanterpool said.

Meanwhile, he told the House of Assembly today that it appears the inclement weather did not result in widespread disruption to the territory’s electricity supply.

Still on Virgin Gorda, fallen boulders, had been affecting travel.

The Department of Disaster Management explained: “Residents and visitors on Virgin Gorda traveling along the roadway from The Valley to North Sound are asked to exercise caution as we have received reports of rockfall in that area. The rockfall is due to the inclement weather currently being experienced across the territory.”

Director of Tourism Sharon Flax-Brutus posted a similar appeal on social media. “Caution. Caution. Drivers on the North Sound Road from the water plant all the way up please exercise extreme caution. Fallen boulders! Be careful,” Flax-Brutus said.

A motorcyclist negotiating the flooded roadway early this morning

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