Torrential rains in SVG bring tens of $$ millions in damage

Up to press time, the full extent of damage and destruction from flash flooding in the Georgetown area is still not known.{{more}}

Early estimated costs of repairs, rebuilding and compensation after this natural disaster have been given in the tens of millions, and are expected to rise as more information on damage is assessed by various officials.

Residents of the North Central Windward town and surroundings were jolted from their usual mode of operations when at about 11pm they recalled hearing rumblings coming from the mountains, initially mistaken for thunder, since there had been rain in the region for the previous 48 hours.

Reality and horror quickly struck as persons realized that it was another force of nature that was upon them, more frightening and destructive than thunder.

Without warning the rivers which were being fed by the mountains burst their banks, bringing with them tons of debris and taking with them any movable objects in their path that could not withstand their forces.

When daylight broke, residents and other curious persons got a first-hand view of what transpired overnight: houses washed from their foundations, homes flooded, vehicles washed away from where they were parked, bridges and roads destroyed, livestock unable to escape the raging waters drowned.

Major damage was seen in the area of the Mount Young, where the bridge was impassable because of a heavy river flow and blockage by huge tree trunks. The Black Point Recreational site also suffered damage owing to flooding, and gazebos were washed way.

Bridges at the Georgetown market, Valley, (in the village of Dickson), and Rabbacca (Miss Janie Bridge) were blocked and were rendered impassable for a period of time, while the bridge in Basin Hole, Langley Park, collapsed under the weight of the water and debris.

A number of homes were made inhospitable by debris and structural damage, forcing residents to seek refuge at the homes of friends and relatives, or at shelters which have been since opened by emergency officials.

Commercial enterprises also fell victim to the unyielding force of nature as well as the many looters who took to the streets following the deluge.

Much livestock was strewn all about, overcome by the waters, or catapulted towards the beaches by the thousands of logs and garbage brought down by the rains.

There were some reports of damage in areas outside of Georgetown, including the complete destruction of the bridge at Byrea, and many landslides and road blockages in surrounding areas.

Despite reports of loss of property and valuables, there were no known cases of death or major injuries as a direct result of Monday’s disaster.

Early assessments by officials of the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO), Housing and Land Development Corporation (HLDC), as well as the Bridges, Roads and General Services Authority (BRAGSA), the Ministry of Transport, Works etc, and also parliamentary members Girlyn Miguel, Montgomery Daniel, Clayton Burgin and area representative and Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves who all visited many of the affected areas hours after the crisis occurred.

The unrelenting rains in that area which began sometime on Sunday were the result of a trough system which had been affecting the area all week long.

Meteorologists from the local Met Office at Arnos Vale said that the system, which produced cloudy to overcast conditions, with scattered showers and periods of rain, was expected to last until today.



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