Flood waters dump dirt and debris on major streets
By VonDez Phipps
Reporter-SKNVibes.com
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – WITH approximately 24 more days before the end of the hurricane season, the Federation continues to be affected by uncertain weather patterns including sporadic thunderstorms.
Yesterday (Nov. 5), a flash-flood advisory was issued by the Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Services to Antigua and Barbuda, St. Kitts-Nevis and Montserrat from noon to 6:00 pm, but remained in effect for St. Kitts-Nevis from 8:00 last night through 8:00 tonight (Nov.6). The isolated thunderstorms triggered torrential rains which caused extensive overflowing of ghauts both in Basseterre and rural areas.
The raging waters moved large deposits of dirt down onto the streets of Basseterre including College Street and Westbourne Ghauts and the bus/ferry terminal on the Bay Road.
Commuters were greeted with debris and mounds of ghaut sand as they arrived at the bus terminal this morning. Unconfirmed reports reaching this media house informed that a woman, while attempting to cross the College Street Ghaut last night was swept away with the flood waters barrelling down the street. Fortunately, she was rescued by a group of good Samaritans, sustaining only minor injuries.
A resident of Cayon told this media house that last night water rushed down one the area ghauts and forced its way onto the street above, depositing large pieces of debris and boulders and blocking vehicular traffic for almost an hour. ~~Adz:Right~~
The St. Kitts Meteorological Office informed SKNVibes that some 1.13 inches of rain was dumped onto the island yesterday.
Public Relations Officer for the National Disaster Management Agency (NEMA) Goldwin Caines explained that the response to flash-flood warnings would entirely depend on one’s specific situation, but maintained that in all cases, everyone should guard against being affected by water flow.
“With flash-flooding, you do not get affected from water that runs off; you would be affected in low-lying areas where the water is allowed to bank up. You need to make sure all ghauts and drains near to you are cleared to allow the free movement of water and just ensure that the water has no space to collect.
“Ensure that vehicles are parked in safe areas so that they are not greatly affected by flowing water. College Street, Westbourne and Cayon Ghauts are some of the major tributaries. Do not ever park there!”
Caines noted that everyone has a reasonable idea of how the water flows in their respective communities and urged the general public to take the necessary steps to protect property in preparation for flash floods.
From all accounts received, there were no reports of major injuries or deaths, and this morning labourers from the Public Works, and Parks and Beaches were seen clearing the streets to return the affected areas to a state of normalcy.
