September 28, 2016 – At 5:00 p.m. today, the center of Tropical Storm Matthew was located near latitude 13.8 north, longitude 62.0 west, or about 65 miles or 110 km west of Saint. Lucia. Matthew is moving toward the West at 20 mph or 31 km/h. Maximum sustained winds are near 60 mph or 95 km/h with higher gusts. Saint Lucia is experiencing increased rainfall as it is being affected by the storm. A Tropical Storm Warning remains in effect for Saint Lucia.

 Some strengthening is forecasted as Matthew continues to move westward. Strong gusty winds, heavy rainfall and rough seas are expected to affect Saint Lucia during the passage of this system. Residents of Saint Lucia and the rest of the windward islands are asked to closely monitor the progress of this system and those living in areas prone to flooding and landslides should take all necessary precautions against these hazards. Small craft operators should remain in port and secure all equipment.

NATIONAL ACTIONS TAKEN

1.     NEMO has issued several communication products including press releases and SMS to the public through various media houses.

2.     The Director, NEMO is in constant communication with the Acting Prime Minister and Acting Cabinet Secretary on the situation

3.     The National Emergency Management Advisory Committee (NEMAC) met yesterday on the situation. After consultation, the Ministry of Education suspended school activities for today, September 28, 2016.

4.     The Prime Minister issued two statements on the situation; one at last night and one this morning, September 28, 2016.

5.     All schools will remain closed through Thursday 29th September 2016.

6.     The Emergency Operations Center was partially activated from 7:00 hrs.

7.     District Disaster Committees have been briefed and continue to update NEMO Secretariat on their areas.

8.     As of 12:00 hours the George FL Charles and the Hewanorra Airports are closed until further notice.

9.     The Soufriere Hospital has moved to the Environmental Health Building at Deliau Street, Wingsville.

10.  NEMO continues to communicate with the Director, Saint Lucia Met. Services for updates on the situation.

11.  Four (4) shelters have been opened:

a.     43 persons - 22 adults and 21 children at the Beanfield Secondary School;

b.     20 persons at the Fond St Jacques Roman Catholic Church – 19 adults, 1 child;

c.     20 persons at Soufriere SDA Church;

d.    10 persons at the Choiseul RC Church – including one disabled male;

e.     40 persons at the Anse La Raye Parish Hall;

f.      Gros Islet Roman Catholic Church (TBC).

12.  Transportation was provided to for Vieux Fort South Disaster Committee for logistical support. 

OBSERVATIONS

During the course of the evening the following reports were received on the impact of the storm and recorded by the respective District Disaster Committees:

·      Power outages are being reported in several communities across the island.

·      All quadrants of Saint Lucia have reported some flooding including Gros-Islet, Castries, Bexon Dennery, Laborie Micoud, Choiseul, and Vieux- Fort.

·      A fallen tree at Almondale Union;

·      2 persons trapped by flood in Marisule were able to make their way out after the waters receded;

·      1 house at Mole Road, Dennery had its roof partially blown off;

Next Steps -The NEMO Secretariat along with the Met Office will continue to monitor the situation and to keep the public informed.

Residents in affected areas are asked to report flooding and damage caused by the weather system to their respective District Disaster Committees.

NEMO urges residents to continue listening for advisories, stay alert and in a constant state of  preparedness until the ALL CLEAR is issued.

The public is again reminded that the official source for information are the MET OFFICE and NEMO in Saint Lucia.

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