BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – NATIONAL Disaster Coordinator attached to the National Emergency Management Agency Carl Herbert is reporting that the passage of Tropical Storm Gonzalo yesterday (Oct. 13) has resulted in minimal damage and no loss of life or injury has been reported.
TS Gonzalo – now Hurricane Gonzalo – was to have impacted the Federation during the early-morning hours of yesterday but because it had slowed down, the full impact was not felt until later that day.
In preparation for its approach, the Robert L. Bradshaw (RLB) International Airport was closed and most businesses across the island were closed for business. Also, all public schools and eventually all private schools were closed.
During an interview with SKNVibes, Herbert informed that today (Oct. 14), schools have reopened their doors, businesses are opened for business and the RLB International Airport was opened from 6:00a.m.
The Disaster Coordinator also stated that it is evident that individuals adhered to the call for caution and preparedness.
“People responded to our call and that is some form of preparedness. The very fact that we did not have any injuries, loss of life, etc. is also an indication that people were also prepared and listened to our request for caution.”
Herbert disclosed that the island is almost back to usual business but noted that there are still a few challenges with the water supply which need to be sorted out.
“To the most extent, the country is back to business but I know there are some challenges with some sections of the water supply which are being addressed by the Water Department.”
SKNVibes understands that the storm left a number of broken branches, fallen billboards, downed power lines and downed zinc fences in its wake.
Some areas had lost their electricity supply during the passage of the storm and SKNVibes understands that about 85 percent of the affected areas have since had their power supply restored.
