THE EVENT
At 5 pm Eastern Caribbean Time, the center of Hurricane Emily was located near latitude 13.3 north, longitude 65.9 west or about 800mls ESE of Kingston, Jamaica. Emily is now a Category 3 Hurricane on the Saffir Simpson Scale. The Government of Jamaica has issued a Hurricane Watch for the island.
THE PROGNOSIS
The all clear has now been issued for Grenada and its Dependencies and Trinidad & Tobago. Emily is fast approaching Jamaica and is expected to pass very close to the couth coast by the afternoon of Saturday, July 20, 2005. Participating States in the Northwestern Caribbean need to monitor the progress of Emily very closely and complete their preparedness activities.
THE SITUATION
Grenada
The Grenada National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) has provided the following update.
The overall picture has not changed significantly from that reported earlier. The Northeast of the island, Carriacou and Petit Martinique were the hardest hit by Hurricane Emily. The Prime Minister conducted an aerial reconnaissance of the country this morning with the assistance of the Trinidad & Tobago Defence Force. The National Emergency Advisory Council is meeting this afternoon and will provide an updated report immediately after.
St. Vincent and the Grenadines
The National Disaster Coordinator has advised that following their more detailed assessments today it is apparent that the country fared well relative to the impact on Hurricane Ivan. 52 Houses are reported damaged with 25 that lost their complete roof, 27 with significant damage. The level of damage is within the capabilities of the island and therefore no support is being requested at this time.
Saint Lucia
The Damage and Needs Assessment Committee in Saint Lucia through the National Emergency Management Organisation (NEMO) has advised that they have conducted their initial assessment of the impacted areas of the island. No damages were observed to structures, some debris deposited on beaches and the river in Anse La Raye is in spate but not causing any flooding.
Trinidad & Tobago
The Office of Disaster Preparedness & Management with the support of the Trinidad & Tobago Defence Force conducted an aerial reconnaissance of the country this morning. This was followed by ground assessments in some areas conducted by the Municipalities.
- Diego Martin Regional Cooperation ?the Diego Martin River was elevated but has since receded. Roads in some areas are blocked by debris and landslides but are being cleared by the Ministry of Works;
- Port of Spain City Council ?Flooding in some areas reported. Residents in need of assistance to clear and clean houses affected by mud;
- San Juan/Laventille ?Many roads blocked by flooding and debris. Ministry of Works clearing to allow traffic to flow. Severe flooding reported in near Hololo Bridge and at Bourg Mulatresse. Water now receding. Landslides reported in Santa Cruz area are being cleared;
- The Aranguez Bridge is impassable as the protective gabion baskets have been washed away. No entry to area is being allowed;
- Retaining wall along San Juan River near MTS Plaza collapsed. Repairs to be made next week;
- 6 houses in Mt. Lambert flooded;
- Tunapuna/Piarco ?Road by the Trincity Mall flooded and water rising. Most rivers in the area are reported in spate and rising;
- Chaguanas ?Flood waters affected most areas but now receding. 30 persons in the Pierre Road, Charlieville area have been relocated due to flooding. Relief supplies being dispatched to the affected persons;
- Couva/Tabaquitte/Talparo ?The Mamoral and Caparo rivers are reportedly in spate and have flooded the Carr Road area. The Ministry of Works will verify as conditions permit. The Caparo Village is completely cut off and residents are marooned;
- Arima- Many areas affected by flood waters. 12 Houses flooded near Manuel Congo Road. River banks in some areas unstable;
- Sangre Grande ?No electricity in Matelot due to fallen poles;
- Tobago House of Assembly ?9 roofs blown off. It was also reported that 40% of the island is without electricity from St. George to Charlotteville. 3 house damaged in Mt. St. George;
- Many areas are threatened by flooding form rising river waters;
- Trinidad & Tobago Electricity Corporation reported that 11,000 customers lost supply. 8200 have now been restored. Full restoration is expected by midday Friday.
REGIONAL RESPONSE
The Regional Response Mechanism (RRM) has been activated at Level 2. The RRM is an agreement among CARICOM member states as well as international and regional non-governmental organisations and relief agencies to provide assistance to impacted states.
The International Federation of the Red Cross Societies (IFRCS) has announced that it will be launching an appeal July 15, 2005 to raise much needed funds to support countries affected by Hurricanes Dennis and Emily.
UNICEF has advised the Eastern Caribbean Donor Group (ECDG) and CDERA CU of its list of emergency response items that could be made available to support any first response operations.
The Pan American Health organization (PAHO) is collaborating with local counterparts to conduct assessments of the health facilities. PAHO/CPC Barbados will deploy personnel to Grenada July 15, 2005.
The OECS Secretariat has advised that its on standby to assist as necessary.
CDERA CU ACTIONS IN SUPPORT OF GRENADA
1. The Preparedness & Response Manager will be deployed to Grenada on July 15, 2005 to meet with local Officials;
2. Information is being collated and SITREPS being prepared for dissemination
Contact Details: The CDERA CU 24-HOUR contact number is 246 425 0386