Local businesses hired clearing crews to move stocks from ground floor and basements in an attempt to save them from being further damaged, while pumping out water. Photo: Team of Reporters

Craft Alive experienced flooding in Road Town. Many business people spent today, cleaning out their businesses, many clothing stores in Road Town sold some of their stocks. Photo: Team of Reporters

Crew cleaning up in Pasea. Public Works crews as well as private heavy equipment operators have been out cleaning roads and moving abandon vehicles, mud, rocks, tress, garbage and other debris from roadways. Photo: Team of Reporters

FirstBank was among several Road Town businesses that was flooded. Losses for businesses may reach millions. Photo: Team of Reporters

Many of the businesses from Fish Bay to Prospect Reef on Tortola, including Bars and Restaurants, Night Clubs, Car Dealerships, Churches, Commercial Buildings, Gas Stations, Malls, Insurances Businesses, food shops, Law Firms, Craft Alive, some three banks and even food vans have been flooded and damaged by the 24 hours of heavy rains.

Millions in losses & damages

Many business owners spent today cleaning out their businesses. Meanwhile, many clothing stores in Road Town, owned by local Middle Eastern Residents, sold some of their stock items at a reduced rate that might have been damaged, as well as, some vendors at Craft Alive.

In addition, other local businesses hired clearing crews to move stocks from ground floors and basements in an attempt to save them from being further damaged. While pumping out water, others had to solicit help from staff and even the Fire and Rescue Services to address their own severe flooding in some cases where files, chairs, papers and dry goods were affected.

The losses of items by business owners are "real", one businessman speaking to our newsroom who did not want his name to be used said, and the "damage to Road Town businesses could be in the Millions”.

Items damaged includes, clothes, shoes, food stuffs, dry goods, tools, chairs, desks, computers, souvenirs, jewelries, bags, cosmetics and stationeries.

No fete in East End tonight

Meanwhile, the East End Long Look Festival Sub-Committee has announced that all events scheduled for tonight Tuesday August 8, 2017 has been cancelled. However, they are expected to continue with the Wednesday morning Rise and Shine Tramp which is to get underway as early as 3:00 A.M. tomorrow morning Wednesday August 9, 2017.

Public Works crew, as well as, private heavy equipment operators have been out cleaning roads and moving abandoned vehicles, mud, rocks, trees, garbage and other debris from roadways to allow traffic to flow, on Tortola and Virgin Gorda while the BVI Electricity Corporation has managed to restore power to at least 50 percent of residents and businesses.

Water is still off in most parts on Tortola and Virgin Gorda, according to the state-owned Water and Sewerage Department. This is due to damaged water main lines and other technical issues. It is unclear when water, which has been a serious challenge before the weather situation, will be restored.

Homeless residents?

Many residents still face flooding of homes, cars and boats and there have been confirmed reports to our newsroom of homelessness in about two communities of about less than ten residents. However, those in need have sought help from family and friends and have not relied on the State for shelter.

Out of the four islands, Tortola has been hit the hardest, then Virgin Gorda, followed by Jost van Dyke. Anegada, although it experienced heavy rains, has remained relativity without any major damage.

Premier Dr. the Honourable D. Orlando Smith (AL) has made appearances on one local AM Radio station. However, with power still off in some communities, his message was not heard in all areas of the Territory.

Governor John S. Duncan OBE whereabouts is unknown, however, long-time public officer and Financial Services Commission boss Dr. Robert A. Mathavious has been named acting Governor and has been speaking to the public on the ongoing weather situation.

Weather update

According to the latest weather report from the BVI Disaster Management, the tropical wave and upper level low pressure system which affected the Territory on August 7 and 8, 2017, have moved away from the Territory. However, the Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Service’s latest forecast model runs indicate that lingering atmospheric moisture across the Virgin Islands could still trigger some passing moderate showers across the islands tomorrow morning. As a result, there is a 20 percent or slight chance of showers tonight and a 50 percent or moderate chance of showers tomorrow, Wednesday August 9, 2017.