Flooding in St. Vincent
KINGSTOWN, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Wednesday November 9, 2016 – One death has been reported as a result of the heavy rain from a trough system that began affecting St Vincent and the Grenadines last night. The downpours also caused flooding and landslides that forced the closure of schools, government offices and some businesses today.
While disaster officials had earlier reported no deaths or injuries, iWitness News confirmed shortly before noon that a boy died on the northern Grenadine island of Bequia, after being swept away by floodwaters as he tried to clear a drain in Paget Farm, in the south of the island.
The National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) had reported rising water levels in several communities, including Arnos Vale, where the E.T Joshua Airport is located; Calliaqua, a town east of the capital Kingstown; and the agriculture community of Vermont.
In Mesopotamia, another agricultural district in the interior, there were also numerous reports of landslides.
Authorities said the country had received about five inches of rain.
“As a result, generally cloudy skies, light to moderate showers and scattered thunderstorms will continue to affect the islands,” forecasters said, adding that the conditions would remain the same for most of the day.
Deputy Director of NEMO Michelle Forbes issued a statement advising residents in areas prone to flooding and landslides to exercise caution.
She said the National Emergency Operations Centre has been fully activated.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves went on radio to urge the nation, particularly people living near rivers and areas prone to landslide, to protect their families and property.
He said a team from the Ministry of Works would be mobilized to begin clean-up operations once the situation allowed.