VI under Flash Flood; ghuts down; landslide in some areas
According to the advisory sent out earlier today May 10, 2014, the warning, issued by the Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Service, will remain in effect until 6:00 p.m.
“A flash flood warning means that moderate to major flooding is imminent or occurring in low-lying and flood prone areas, said the advisory.
It said that a persistent trough over the Northeast Caribbean is influencing the weather over the VI and the Leeward Islands. “It has resulted in moderate to heavy showers and thunderstorms. Another inch to two inches of rainfall is likely in the next 12 hours,” it said.
It said that persons in low-lying areas are being urged to move immediately to higher ground. “Persons are also being advised not to attempt to cross swiftly flowing water by foot or by vehicle. It is important to note that just one foot of flowing water is enough to sweep vehicles off the road,” it warned.
“The Department of Disaster Management advises motorists to stay off the roads. There are reports of blockage in some hillside areas and at least one retaining wall has collapsed. If you do not need to be on the road, you are strongly advised to remain at home,” said the warning.
While we could not secure information from the Fire and Rescue Department or the Department of Disaster Management on the damage caused thus far, there are reports reaching our news room of flooding in some houses along with a few challenges in driving on some roads due to debris that have slid down causing the roads to be impassable.
There are reports of some persons being displaced as a result of collapsing retaining walls.
This news site’s own reporters also witnessed a car that had slid off the road due to the wet and slippery conditions.
Efforts to reach the Director of Department of Disaster Management Ms. Sharleen S. Dabreo for an update proved futile.
However, Philomena N. Robertson, Information & Education Manager, Department of Disaster Management, in providing the latest weather update to this news site, said, "A deep layer trough lingering across the region continues to generate cloudy to overcast skies with showers and thunderstorms.”
She said that according to the Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Services, a deepening and intensification of the trough is expected which is likely to produce more showers and thunderstorms.
“The flash flood warning remains in effect until 6pm and the DDM will continue to monitor the forecasts and provide updates accordingly," she said.
When this news site contacted Deputy Director of Public Works Department Mr Jose C. De Castro, he directed all queries to his senior Mr Jeffrey M. Skelton, who could not be reached by phone. Efforts also to reach Minister for Works and Communications Hon Mark H. Vanterpool proved futile.
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
Follow Us On
18 Responses to “VI under Flash Flood; ghuts down; landslide in some areas”
NDP MUST GO!
How long will this left to continue. (Congrats to Min. Fraser for the piece he placed at Sea Cow's Bay...see! If they had given the man a chance, he would have dug by the well at the Community Center and place culverts underneath the road. Persons who start new buildings to interfere with the existing drainage should indicate on the plan how it is going to be effectively joined with the existing drainage. But while there is no drainage, everyone does what they want.
Que?
English for Tortola is LAND OF THE TURTLE DOVES.
Me llama Ayshaa y "flash flood" en Tortola?
Yes, I'm English, and Tortola is Spanish ES ESPANOL.