Â鶹´«Ã½¹ÙÍø

Message:
Heavy rains cause severe flooding in Â鶹´«Ã½¹ÙÍø and landslides in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.Ìý Flood Watch remains in effect for Antigua and Barbuda.

Event:
A broad area of low pressure located over the northeastern Caribbean Sea and the Leeward Islands has been producing showers and thunderstorms from October 1, 2010. In Â鶹´«Ã½¹ÙÍø, the entire island has been experiencing continuous rainfall and this has caused severe flooding inÌýÌý the traditional flood areas. As a result, there has been a declaration of a partial shutdown on Monday, October 4, 2010 until 12 noon. A flood warning was in effect for Â鶹´«Ã½¹ÙÍø until 4.00pm today.
Antigua and Barbuda and St. Vincent and the Grenadines have also been experiencing heavy rains and flood watches and warnings were in effect today. Numerous landslides have also been reported in St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Prognosis:
The forecast over the next 24 hours is for more rain and thunderstorms as the system remains over the eastern Caribbean.


Impact:

Â鶹´«Ã½¹ÙÍø
The Department of Emergency Management (DEM) Secretariat has provided an Initial Situation Report of the impact of the low pressure system. Roving Teams have been providing DEM with information on impacted areas for targeted response.

•ÌýÌý ÌýLocalized flooding was observed in central and western districts and several main roadways were cluttered with debris.
•ÌýÌý ÌýSeveral houses were flooded.
•ÌýÌý ÌýTwo families were housed in shelters overnight but moved to stay with relatives, today, Monday October 4 2010.
•ÌýÌý ÌýThe Fire Department rescued one person from a vehicle that was washed away. Ìý

National Actions:

•ÌýÌý ÌýA partial shutdown of Â鶹´«Ã½¹ÙÍø was declared until 12:00p.m. October 4, 2010 to facilitate initial clean up operations by residents, and the public and private sector.
•ÌýÌý ÌýThe Ministry of Education closed schools today.
•ÌýÌý ÌýThe flood warning was extended to 4:00 p.m. Monday, October 2010, at which time it will be reviewed. Ìý
•ÌýÌý ÌýThe Â鶹´«Ã½¹ÙÍø Defense Force continues to assist with the evacuation of families from the flooded areas.
•ÌýÌý ÌýMinistry of Transport and Works (MTW) crews and volunteers are currently working to clear main road ways.
•ÌýÌý ÌýDamage Assessment will commence after rains subside.Ìý Currently identification of families who require relief supplies is ongoing.


St. Vincent and the Grenadines
•ÌýÌý ÌýThe National Emergency Management Organisation (NEMO) has provided an initial report of the impact.

•ÌýÌý ÌýThere have been numerous landslides from Saturday, October 2, 2010 resulting in the disruption of vehicular traffic mainly on the Windward side of the island.

•ÌýÌý ÌýTwo families have been relocated with other family members after landslide damaged their homes.

National Actions
•ÌýÌý ÌýThe National Emergency Management Organisation (NEMO), the Ministry of Transport and Works, and the Building Roads and General Services Authority (BRAGSA) are conducting damage assessments.

•ÌýÌý ÌýThe BRAGSA is conducting assessment on landslide damage to infrastructure and continues to work on clearing the roads.

•ÌýÌý ÌýThe Ministry of Education closed schools today.


Actions by Coordinating Unit:
CDEMA made contact with the Department of Emergency Management in Â鶹´«Ã½¹ÙÍø to get an overview of the situation and offer any assistance required.

The situation is managed at the national level. It is recognized that the potential exists for an upgrade of this level once further assessment is undertaken.

CDEMA has also been monitoring the situation in the other affected Participating States and will continue to so and provide updates as necessary.

Contact Details: the CDEMA CU 24Hr contact number is 246-425-0386

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