Heavy rainfall causes landslides around SVG

The skies are expected to return to normal today, following last weekend’s rainstorm which caused extensive landslides across the country.{{more}}

When contacted yesterday afternoon, an officer at the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Meteorological Office (SVGMET) told SEARCHLIGHT there were numerous showers and scattered thunderstorm activity in association with a low pressure over the North Eastern Caribbean Sea and the Leeward Islands.

It is reported that 101.6 millitres of rain poured between Saturday and Monday, forcing the Ministry of Education to close all schools on Monday morning. Several students who had already turned up for school had to be sent home, because of the weather conditions which included threatened flash floods.

This situation prompted the authorities to put a flood warning in effect for the country which was called off at 12 noon yesterday.

A press release from the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) and the Ministry of National Security dated Monday, October 4, 2010, stated: “Over the past two days, commencing on Saturday 2nd October, 2010, numerous landslides and blocked drains have been reported mainly on the Windward side of the Island with landslides in Belmont, South Union, Yambou, Keartons, Questelles, Vermont, Owia, Georgetown, Park Hill, Byrea, Colonaire, North Union and Peruvian Vale.

The news release further stated that one family “On the Rocks” in Redemption Sharpes and another in Lowmans Windward had to be relocated because of landslide damage to their homes. They are now living with other family members, as their homes are currently inhabitable.

Also, earlier yesterday morning, the road in Rose Castle, Edinboro, below Joel John’s residence collapsed and was closed to vehicular traffic until further notice.

NEMO and the Ministry of Transport and Works started conducting damage assessments on Sunday, October 3 and the Building Roads and General Services Authority (BRAGSA) was also mobilized over the weekend and is continuing its road clearance operations and assessment on landslide damage to infrastructure. BRAGSA has informed that the road at South Union has been cleared and is now passable.

NEMO is urging residents living in flood and landslide prone areas to be vigilant and to take the necessary precautions. NEMO is also advising the general public to continue to monitor the weather condition and exercise caution when driving on the road.

Vincentians are urged to continue listening to their local radio stations for more updates.(HN)