Help coming, but resources are ‘stretched’

Acting Governor Robert Mathavious said resources being used in the recovery efforts are stretched, adding that authorities are still trying to get a true picture of the damage caused by several hours of heavy rainfall on Monday, August 7.

He also urged residents to take further precautions as more heavy rainfall is likely.

The acting governor, in a statement today, said recovery efforts are being expedited, but it will take some time before normality is restored.

“I know it is a very trying time as we are all dealing with the impacts from the passage of the tropical wave, and some of us are still facing challenges brought on by the flooding and landslides. I would like to assure you that every effort is being made to expedite recovery efforts across the territory.”

“The teams from Water and Sewerage, Public Works Department, BVI Electricity Corporation, and telecommunications providers have been working consistently to rectify outstanding issues. Presently, utility services have been restored to some persons throughout the territory, and the restoration efforts continue,” added Acting Governor Mathavious.

He urged residents to assist their neighbours.

“I understand that some persons require assistance to clear debris and fallen structures, which have blocked doorways and pathways around their properties; this assistance will be provided.”

“As you can imagine, resources are stretched and may take some time before crews can be deployed to provide support. So, in the meantime, I encourage you to assist your neighbours and those in your immediate communities to begin to clean up your surroundings until additional assistance can be provided,” the acting governor further said.

He noted that the authorities are giving priority to main roads at this time, adding that motorists should stay off the road.

“Our crews must clear the main roadways first, then they can proceed to work on the feeder roads. For this reason, I continue to emphasize the need for persons to stay off the roads unless it is absolutely necessary for you to move – and please exercise extreme caution.”

“The additional vehicular traffic on the roads are creating a challenge for the Public Works crews. So we ask for your cooperation as we work together to restore the roads,” said Acting Governor Mathavious.

He noted that information received from weather forecasters predict possible rainfall today (August 9) into Saturday.

“The rains predicted for Thursday to Saturday have been attributed to another topical wave in the area, which will increase the possibility of showers and thunderstorms across the area. I therefore continue to reiterate the need for all persons to be ready.”

“Assessments are also being undertaken across the territory, so that we can have a true picture of the extent of the damage caused by the passage of the recent weather system,” the acting governor further said.