Normality slowly returning to St. Lucia following flooding, deaths

Electricity and other services are being gradually restored in St. Lucia after a slow- moving-low-level trough caused widespread flooding and destruction.  

The rains and strong winds, which caused five deaths and damage to roads, bridges and houses, also caused destruction in neighbouring St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

There were nine fatalities and the search continues for three other persons, presumed dead.  

The St. Lucia Electricity Services Limited reported that it was able to restore power to nearly all areas that had been affected by outages resulting from the heavy rains and severe lightning. Crews were still trying to restore service to isolated areas.

Telecommunications company, LIME, said it was gradually restoring services to customers.

St. Vincent & the Grenadines

Meanwhile, several communities remain cut-off in St. Vincent & the Grenadines.

The National Emergency Management Organization reported that this is due to damaged bridges and blocked roads. 

The Central Water and Sewerage Authority said some consumers will be without supply until Saturday.

The Emergency Management Organization said a number of houses have been destroyed or damaged and it is providing sleeping bags and comfort kits to those affected. 

CDEMA

RJR News spoke with Ronald Jackson, executive director of the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) who gave an overview of the situation in the affected islands.

Mr. Jackson said there is an urgent need for water in St. Lucia and St. Vincent.