Weekend rains leave SVG in muddy mess

by Christina Smith

A strong tropical wave followed by unstable conditions dumped inches of rain across the country over the weekend resulting in flooding, landslides, damage to retaining walls and even a report of a pet being washed away.

A sunny Friday afternoon on November 8, 2024 quickly turned into hurricane-like conditions when a tropical system brought pockets of heavy rain, and isolated thunderstorms causing many pedestrians to be stranded in a flooded Kingstown and diverting motorists away from the Arnos Vale area in the vicinity of Greaves Supermarket which was blocked by pools of water.

By 6:00 a.m on Saturday, November 9, the SVG Meteorological Services said that 120 mm of rainfall had been recorded. Heavy showers persisted on November 10 and 11, and by noon on Monday, rainfall accumulations were recorded amounted to 199.5 mm.

Landslides occurred in number of communities including La Croix, Belmont, Georgie Gutter, and Ratho Mill. Teams from the Roads, Buildings and General Services Authority (BRAGSA) were out in communities yesterday, November 11 with tractors and trucks, clearing debris from the roads.

In Calliaqua, the river broke its banks resulting in water entering nearby homes and washing debris and sediment into homes and the Calliaqua Police Station.

Residents told SEARCHLIGHT they had to spring into action on Saturday to safeguard property after rainfall persisted throughout the night. They awoke to flooded roads and persons being trapped inside their residences.

One resident name given as McGregor said, he was saddened after the waters swept away his three-month-old German Shepherd mix.

“It’s a concern that all of we have to deal with. The flooding came in from that side of the river. I end up losing a puppy. It got washed away because the river came down so sudden and take up anything in its path. People lost their shoes, everything they had on their porch and all that stuff.”

He explained that the weekend’s flooding is not the first of its kind which affected the community. He told SEARCHLIGHT that heavy rains often bring debris down from the mountain and blocks the passage of water through the river.

“We have to always put precautions in place, we have to make sure our animals – the dogs, the goats, we have to take them up to higher ground.

The whole neighbourhood have to go into action.”

SEARCHLIGHT received reports that the Calliaqua Police Station also suffered damage from the floods.