CHARLESTOWN, Nevis – TORRENTIAL rainfall prompted by a weak tropical system in the Leeward Islands was the reason given for Friday’s flash floods in the parish of St. Paul.
Head of the Nevis Disaster Management Office Lester Blackett told SKNVibes the system was not a very strong one and the amount of rainfall was totally unexpected and, although heavy, was concentrated in the Charlestown district.
“Other areas of the island were not as affected.”
Areas affected by the flooding include Stoney Grove, where some homes were affected; the area around Pinney’s Beach Hotel and the Super Foods Supermarket.
Blackett said there were no reports of death or injuries although the Fire Department was called out to assist in removing two gas tanks from one affected house in Stoney Grove. Officers of Disaster Management and Public Works were also out assisting where it was necessary.
Blackett said that the topography of the island allowed the waters to run off almost as quickly as they gathered, but indicated there are some drainage issues that need to be addressed. He said that given the amount of rainfall the authorities could not prevent flooding but could put systems in place to minimise its effects.
Among the areas identified for immediate work were drainage points near Powell’s Service Station on the island’s main road and on Pump Road in the vicinity of Pennyless.
According to Blackett, the problem on the main road was caused by a tree blocking the flow of water and the other one was caused by a buildup of silt. He pointed out, however, that work had begun to remove the encumbrances and they should be gone by Monday (tomorrow).
Meanwhile, residents in Stoney Grove complained to this media house that the ravine behind Ram’s Shopping Complex also needed de-silting. One man said he and some others did some clearing a few weeks ago, which probably prevented a worse situation from developing on Friday. He called on the Public Works Department to clear the area quickly before another downpour comes.
