NEMA conducting post-storm assessment
By Terresa McCall
Reporter-SKNVibes.com
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - AS early as 6:00 this morning, assessment teams from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) were dispatched to various areas around the country to ascertain the extent of damage caused by the passage of Hurricane Omar between late last evening and early this morning.
National Disaster Coordinator for the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) Carl Herbert, in an interview on WINNFM 98.9 said the teams and work crews have been working to get blocked roads cleared and to remove debris.
He noted however that members of the general public should endeavour to “stay out of their way” as this is “not a normal situation” and is “not an opportunity for sightseeing”.
“We want people to understand it’s not a normal condition (and) we are asking persons not to get in the way of the crews that are trying to do their work, and pay attention to the media for updated information.”
Herbert said, thus far, the assessment has revealed that the western coastline has been most affected by the storm but gave thanks to God as there was no loss of life during the ordeal.
“We have found that a few families on the western coastline have been impacted, so an assessment of their needs is being done. The area that is most affected is the western coastline. That has been eroded as well as the same situation on Nevis in terms of erosion. So we are trying to get those matters addressed. It’s going to take some time but we appeal to people to be patient. We are going to look specifically at persons who are in need…and as the day unfolds we will try and provide any additional information. On both islands there has been significant damage but we want to thank God that there has been no loss of life. We are really happy that people cooperated and looked after their safety and allowed the storm to go without any loss of life.” ~~Adz:Right~~
SKNVibes understands that the Prime Minister of the Federation and Minister of National Security with responsibility for NEMA, Dr. the Hon. Denzil Llewellyn Douglas is expected to make an address on Omar’s affect on the Federation sometime today.
As the Federation has begun restoring its people and surroundings to a state of normalcy following the passage of Hurricane Omar, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Patrick Martin has issued a number of tips, which, if followed, would promote health and safety during the transition period.
In a release issued earlier this morning, Dr. Martin explained that it’s imperative that “members of the general public remain vigilant about their personal safety and that of family and friends, particularly children and the elderly.”
In keeping with this request, Dr. Martin advised that downed electrical lines and poles should be avoided “to reduce the risk of electrocution”. He also advised that pools of water could prove to be dangerous and children must not be allowed to venture therein.
“Pools of water may have hidden hazards; do not allow children to play or walk through them. Continue to consume water that is safe. It is best to boil tap water…Pay attention to information from local authorities.”
Mention was also made of the mosquito responsible for spreading Dengue Fever - Aedes Egypti. Dr. Martin explained that this insect breeds in water collected in receptacles which should be destroyed in order to prevent the mosquito from breeding.
“There has been extensive rainfall over the past days and weeks increasing the chances for mosquitoes to breed. Be reminded that the Aedes Egypti mosquito carries Dengue Fever viruses. This mosquito breeds in water collecting in pots, pans, tyres, coconut shells and other receptacles in and around the house. Seek out mosquito breeding sites and destroy them.”
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