Horse races cancelled, VI a disaster; collapsed roads, flooded homes, businesses
The Leader of the Opposition Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) in a statement, has urged residents to be their ‘brother's keeper’.
With over 24 hours of persistent rainfall, the Virgin Islands (VI) is now a disaster zone. Residents throughout the British Overseas Territory have reported flooded homes in every village on Tortola, Virgin Gorda and some on Jost van Dyke.
In addition, many businesses in Road Town and the adjacent areas, along with a few in Virgin Gorda, have been flooded with thousands of dollars in damages, loss of goods and repairs that will be needed on buildings.
Roads collapsed, poor drainage
Roads throughout Tortola and Virgin Gorda have been flooded while many secondary roads on the main Island of Tortola have collapsed making driving impossible and dangerous.
The poor drainage system on Tortola, Virgin Gorda and Jost van Dyke has caused most of the roads to be undermined as the water has no place to go which also contributed to the devastating flooding of homes and businesses.
Many of the main roads on Tortola and Virgin Gorda are covered with mud, water, rocks, fallen trees and blocked by damaged cars that have been moved by pouring ghuts.
Some residents have lost their cars and homes due to them being covered with water, trees and mud falling on them along with landslides.
The roads from Road Town to Fish Bay on Tortola are almost impossible to traverse and the many homes in Purcell Estate and Capoon's Bay have been flooded out with some residents seeking shelter with family and friends.
No power in most areas
Many residents have lost power from yesterday evening August 7, 2017 and the BVI Electricity Corporation is doing its best to restore power to residents and businesses.
Virgin Gorda's Lee Road is covered with water and the area by Speedy's next to Fishers's Cove has been covered with water, rocks and mud, according to eyewitnesses. Jost van Dyke received its share of landslides, fallen rocks and trees, blocked roads, as well as, flooding in low lying areas.
Anegada is covered with water with about two reports of flooding as of press time.
No loss of life
To date, there has been no loss of life from the disaster facing the Territory and it is unclear whether the National Emergency mechanism has been kicked into gear.
The BVI Disaster Management Head Ms Sharleen S. DaBreo declined to comment when our newsroom approached her via Whatapp for a statement on the current situation.
Some businesses like grocery stores, hotels and restaurants have managed to open their doors to the public despite the treacherous conditions.
Downs will not see the running of the races
Meanwhile, due to the state of the Roads and the racetrack itself, the annual August Tuesday Horse races scheduled for today, August 8, 2017 has been cancelled according to Roy E. Barry of the Horse Owner's Committee. A new date in this month is expected to be announced shortly.
Flash Flood warning extended until 2:00 PM today August 8, 2017
According to the most recent weather advisory which has been issued from the Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Services, Flash Flood warning has been extended for the Territory until 2:00 PM today August 8, 2017 for all low lying and flood prone areas.
The weather advisory further advised all residents of those areas to remain in a safe location until waters have subsided. Residents are also urged not to traverse through areas where flood waters remain elevated.
Our news room will keep the public updated on the serious disaster facing the Territory.
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28 Responses to “Horse races cancelled, VI a disaster; collapsed roads, flooded homes, businesses”
Stop talking s$$t. When mother nature sends her wrath aint s$$t you can build to stop it. How di you stop a raging landslide? Build big nets territory wide? It rained like hell ALL DAY, no lost of life, be thankful.
We need a snap election. As we can see Fraser was smart in building the orange wall. Many bashed him for wasting money. Look at it it still stands and I can get to my home. We need More like Fraser.