The Cabinet invited Mr. Mullin to provide a report on the extent of the damage caused by the “fifty-year rainfall event” which the entire island experienced during the previous two-day period. Mr. Mullins declared that no drainage system could manage that volume of water in so short a time, with its continuous flow.
He promised that he would have available by Thursday afternoon, November 12, 2020, a compilation of the reports submitted by each of his NODS inspectors; he would thus be able to quantify in dollar-terms the extent of the damage caused by the natural disaster, and the replacement cost. It is the first step to be taken in seeking approximately US$2.5 million from the World Bank’s CRIF (Catastrophic Risk Insurance Facility) of which Antigua and Barbuda is a paying member.
A special focus on the families with disabled or differently-abled persons was ordered, ensuring that the needs of this special group are addressed; it is estimated from the NODS database that approximately 30 families fit into this category throughout the nation. The Cabinet urged the NODS Director to ensure that this special group is attended to with alacrity.
The NODS Director informed that his on-hand supplies include mattresses and blankets, and disinfectant that can be applied to surfaces where dirty water may have soiled the inside of homes. The Representative of St. Mary’s North reported on the Big Creek Bridge that has lost some structural support and could collapse if heavy trucks traverse it. The old Little Creek Bridge appeared to have succumbed to the unusual quantity of water rushing towards it.
The Representative from St. Mary’s South reported on the damage done to the many stretches of roadways between Bolans and Old Road that have been severely impacted by rushing torrents of water. Boulders, stones, soil and other debris have made several areas impassable; backhoes and other equipment were busily working today to clear the roadways. Between Crabbe Hill and Urlings, the roadway has been badly eroded by cascading torrents of water, the Representative reported.
The Representatives of City East and Rural North reported on the harm done to homes within their constituencies as a result of the fast-moving water, flowing in the drains that attach three contiguous geographic areas. They both agreed that the water coming from as far away as Rural East/Johnston’s Village accumulated at too rapid a rate for regular discharge into the drain running from Woods to Yorks and into McKinnon’s swamp. Constituents’ homes were inundated on Monday and Tuesday when more than 15 inches of rain fell in their districts. The representatives are preparing to help and are returning to their constituencies today.
The Representatives of City South and Rural South also reported on the damage done by the moving water, destroying roadways, inundating houses, and making driving along several roadways dangerous. Tanner Street, for example, which carries the overflow from Country Pond has been made dangerous by the erosion which took place over the past days of rainfall. All Saints Road from Sammy’s Supermarket to the Blind School is completely ruined, the City South Representative reported, and needs immediate attention.
