14 August 2017 - The National Emergency Operations Centre is advising the BVI community that the Acting Governor, Mrs. Rosalie Adams, in consultation with the Director of the Department of Disaster Management has deactivated the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC).
The NEOC went on alert on Monday, August 7 at 8:11 a.m. following the issuance of a tropical wave advisory from the Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Services; which has weather forecasting authority for the British Virgin Islands (BVI).
The BVI was subsequently placed under flash flood warning due to the intensity of the weather system and recorded peak rainfall intensities at 11:00 p.m. on August 7.
Director of the Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Services, Keithley Meade explained that the tropical wave combined with another weather system led to the amount of rainfall experienced.
He said, “Sometimes tropical waves encounter trough systems which enhance the wave resulting in much more cloudiness, showers and thunderstorm activity than you would normally have, and that is what happened across the BVI.”
Mr. Meade added, “On average we have three tropical waves crossing the Atlantic per week generally producing a few showers and gusty winds.”
The Director of the Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Services further noted that these tropical waves do not usually cause the level of impact as was recently experienced in the BVI, particularly Tortola.
Following the August 7 to 8 impact, the Territory immediately went into the response phase, which included the mobilisation of the necessary emergency services to respond to impacted communities and individuals.
Director of the Department of Disaster Management (DDM), Sharleen DaBreo said, “We have since transitioned into the recovery process promoting the involvement and empowerment of key stakeholders and volunteers across agencies, sectors and the entire community.”
The recovery process, led by the Office of the Premier with support from the DDM and other Ministries, is now focusing on examining the impacts of the damage caused by the system.
The DDM continues to encourage all to remain vigilant throughout the hurricane season which ends on November 30.
Currently, other tropical waves are predicted to affect the Territory this week. The first of which is forecast to create an unstable environment and produce scattered showers and thunderstorms today and into tonight.
Individuals are encouraged to finalise their hurricane preparations, ensure that they have an emergency supplies kit; battery operated radio; non-perishable foods; water and start conducting inspections of their homes and businesses. Ensure any remedial work which may be necessary to lessen the risk of inland and coastal flooding and wind damage especially on roofs, drains, doors, windows and general surroundings are completed.
Continue to monitor DDM’s website www.bviddm.com and Facebook page (BVIDDM) for regular updates.
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