Montserrat's Premier Addresses Recent Heavy Rainfall and Flooding
Montserrat and neighbouring islands experienced intense rainfall last Saturday evening into early Sunday, which tested infrastructure and daily life.
Fortunately, apart from flooding in low-lying areas and waterways being compromised dumping rocks, mud and other debris unto roads and properties, the resilience of the island and its people stood tall.
The recent heavy rainfall resulted in flooding and wrought damage in several areas across the island, including Carr’s Bay, Soldier ghaut and Cheap End, as well as Aymer’s Ghaut in Salem.
Premier, the Honourable Reuben T. Meade took to the airwaves Monday morning to highlight the pivotal role of good governance and infrastructural improvements in mitigating such downpours.
He also emphasized the magnitude of the resultant flood damage and the added work that needs to be done to build that resistance.
Premier Meade commended the emergency teams for their dedication and hard work in the clean-up efforts.
He spoke to the Public Works Department’s commitment to tackling drainage concerns across the island reaffirming the government’s dedication to protecting residents from flooding hazards.
ZJB News learnt that, Antigua, St. Kitts and Nevis, and other neighbouring islands were also impacted, as well as other islands across the region.
This regional impact underlines the islands’ vulnerability in the Eastern Caribbean to extreme weather events, particularly during the lead-up to hurricane season.
With the approaching 2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season, predicted to be above normal in activity, preparation remains paramount. The Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) has reiterated the importance of readiness and proactive measures to reduce vulnerability and enhance emergency response.