High demand for tarps – More than 3000 distributed

More than 3,000 tarpaulins have been requested and distributed throughout the British Virgin Islands (BVI) since Hurricane Irma hit the territory on September 6, said Governor Augustus Jaspert.

He added that the supply, very often, outstrips the demand for tarps.

During the hurricane, which carried winds of 185 miles per hour, thousands of houses lost their roofs or were totally demolished. Hurricane Maria followed closely after Irma, but it caused minimal damage.

“The effects of hurricanes Irma and Maria have resulted in a number of houses losing roofs. As a quick temporary fix, tarpaulins have been received by a number of donors and these are being distributed,” Governor Jaspert said.

“To date, over three thousand tarps have been given out to persons who have made requests since the impact from Irma. However, in some instances, the high demand for these items has outweighed the available supply as stocks are being replenished.”

Governor Jaspert further stated that one of the immediate priorities is to help persons registered in shelters and others that have been displaced and need assistance for housing.

“This is being addressed through the Ministry of Health and Social Development’s Social Housing Programme, which will provide further details,” the governor added.

The total number of houses reported damaged or destroyed during Hurricane Irma stood at 4,240 up to the end of September, according to a report presented by the Department of Disaster Management and the National Emergency Operations Centre.

The report further said approximately 22.5 percent of the territory’s population was displaced when the category 5 hurricane, Irma, hit the BVI. The 2010 Population and Housing Census Report said the territory has a population of 28,054.