The Government of Saint Lucia is in the process of conducting an initial damage assessment following the passage of Tropical Storm Matthew on Wednesday September 28th. The country was given the “All Clear” by the Saint Lucia Metereological Office at 8:00am Thursday and the Tropical Storm warning was discontinued.
Acting Prime Minister Honourable Lenard Montoute has been working closely with the director of National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) Velda Joseph and other agencies in making sure disaster relief is provided and that a full assessment of the situation is done. The Acting Prime Minister this morning took an aerial tour of the island in order to get a full picture of the damage.
Emergency services are on full alert and the Ministry of Infrastructure has been mobilizing clearing crews to make roads passable and repair damage. Parliamentary Representatives for the various constituencies are also doing their assessments.
Since Saint Lucia has been on the alert about the weather system The Acting Prime Minister has issued four statements including advising Saint Lucians that all schools will remain closed through Thursday 29th September 2016. Saint Lucia’s airports have also reopened, however, persons are still asked to remain cautious and venture out only if it safe to do so.
“We would like to make it clear that citizens should only venture out if it is safe and necessary. There are emergency personnel from several agencies, especially the police, who I know would like the roads to remain as clear as possible,” stated the Acting Prime Minister. “NEMO emergency teams in all communities have been activated and they are doing their assessments of damage. Please report any damage to the relevant authorities. The key here is safety so I want to reiterate that people should not venture out unless necessary.”
The Acting Prime Minister called on the nation to keep other islands affected by the storm in our thoughts and sent condolences to the Government and People of St. Vincent and the Grenadines where at least one life is confirmed lost due to Tropical Storm Matthew.
Since the passage of the storm NEMO has partially activated the Emergency Operations Center and opened six shelters where 130 persons were accommodated.
Residents in affected areas are asked to report damage caused by the weather system to their respective District Disaster Committees.