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Virgin Islands Responds to Flash Flood Emergency: Governor Pruce Leads Recovery Efforts
As the Virgin Islands grapples with the aftermath of a devastating trough that swept through the region on May 7 and 8, damage assessments have commenced as part of the emergency response efforts.
The event, characterised by heavy rainfall, dumped over 5 inches of rain on Road Town and approximately 9 inches on Virgin Gorda, triggering flash floods and widespread disruption.
His Excellency, Governor Daniel Pruce, led a meeting on May 8 with leaders from key responding agencies, including the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force, Ministry of Health and Social Development, BVI Ports Authority, BVI Electricity Corporation, and the Public Works Department. The meeting aimed to discuss preliminary impacts and outline next steps in the recovery process.
Governor Pruce expressed gratitude that no lives were lost and no injuries were reported during the flash flood event. He underscored the importance of community support for those affected, emphasizing the need to assist individuals in recovering belongings and rebuilding businesses.
Director of Disaster Management, Mr. Jasen Penn, highlighted the sudden and dangerous nature of flash flooding, stressing the importance of preparedness and mitigation efforts across the Territory. While the presence of a trough had been forecasted by the Antigua Met Office, the extent of rainfall was not fully understood until the event was underway.
Mr. Penn expressed appreciation for the public’s cooperation and adherence to safety measures, such as school closures and office hour adjustments, which helped ensure overall safety during the event.
As the Territory prepares for the upcoming hurricane season starting on June 1, residents are reminded of the importance of readiness for storms, floods, and other emergencies. Resources and tools for emergency preparedness, including family plan templates, storm tracking maps, emergency supplies checklists, and shelter lists, are available at www.bviddm.com.
As the leatherback sea turtle nesting season begins across the Caribbean, the British Virgin Islands (BVI) are preparing for potential nesting activity. While sightings have been reported in neighboring regions, no nests have been documented in the BVI yet. The Association of Reef Keepers (ARK), a local non-profit dedicated to marine conservation, is urging residents and visitors to report any turtle tracks or nesting activity promptly. Early detection is crucial, especially if nests are located in vulnerable areas where eggs may need to be relocated to ensure their survival.
A new section of the Threlfalls road collapsed earlier today, April 18, raising renewed safety concerns among local residents and commuters. While no injuries have been reported, the incident has intensified scrutiny over the ongoing structural stability of the area.
Residents have expressed concern that today’s rainfall may have played a role in triggering the latest collapse.
“We are more worried now as we may soon be unable to traverse this road altogether,” one resident said. “I am worried about accessing my home.”
This is not the first time Threadfall road has been compromised. Another section of the roadway eroded in September 2024 following a period of intense rainfall. The Department of Public Works had subsequently conducted limited repairs, rendering that portion somewhat passable. However, long-standing issues persist.
The road has suffered extensive damage over the years, particularly following the passage of the hurricanes in 2017, which left critical parts of the route severely weakened.
Authorities have yet to release an official statement regarding the cause of today’s collapse. In the meantime, JTV is actively monitoring the situation and will provide updates as more information becomes available.
Motorists and pedestrians are strongly advised to exercise caution and avoid the area if possible.
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