Tropical Storm Matthew passes, clean-up begins

Businesses throughout the country are expected to return to normal operation today after three days of bad weather caused by Tropical Storm Matthew forced a close down of a number of services in the country.

On Thursday, the National Emergency Management Organisation (NEMO) said that during the period September 28 to 29, St Vincent and the Grenadines experienced severe rains and gusty winds that resulted in the death of Layou resident Kenron Antoine {{more}}and forced some 462 people (177 children and 285 adults) into various shelters throughout the country.

One person was injured, a 68-year-old man of Trigger Ridge who was hospitalized and later discharged.

The Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force rescued two persons who were trapped by a landslide and a swollen river.

During the passage of Matthew, the Meteorological Office reported 86 mm (3.4 inches) of rainfall recorded at the ET Joshua Airport while NEMO stated that up to Thursday, September 29, heavy rainfall had caused landslides that damaged 28 homes and completely destroyed one house.

According to Deputy Director of NEMO Michelle Forbes, assessments are on-going and the number of homes damaged and destroyed is expected to increase.

A report submitted by Forbes to the media said that the Central Water and Sewerage Authority (CWSA) recorded at South Rivers, 242.8 mm (9.5 inches) of rain, as Dallaway, 269.4 mm (10.5 inches) of rain, at Jennings, 197 mm (8 inches) of rain and at Convent, 198 mm (8 inches) or rain.

Up to press time, road clearance operations were continuing while roads on both the Windward and Leeward sides of the island were passable.

The Roads, Buildings and General Services Authority (BRAGSA) and the Ministry of Transport and Works have commenced damage assessment but there has been no report of structural damage to the road network. A number of rivers including the Vermont River and rivers in Spring Village overflowed their banks.

Forbes said in her report that during the passage of Matthew, all medical facilities were adequately staffed, complemented by volunteers and retired staff.

The Central Water and Sewerage Authority (CWSA) reported that the country’s water supply was disrupted and some areas are still without water. Vinlec received minor interruptions to their system but 95 per cent of the country has electricity.

Forbes also noted in her report that NEMO continues to coordinate the response to this emergency and as a result, the National Emergency Operations Centre is still fully activated.