Tropical storm warnings have been discontinued for Saint Lucia from 5:00 AM, today. The all clear was issued by the MET Office at 8:00 am. As a result, the Saint Lucia MET Office will issue no more advisories on Tropical Storm Matthew. However, small craft operators are advised to remain in port for the remainder of the today. Residents in areas prone to flooding, landslides, fallen utilities poles and power lines should continue to exercise extreme caution.
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 Acting Prime Minister, Honourable Lenard Montoute has issued four statements on the situation; one on Tuesday night, two on Wednesday and one this morning, September 29, 2016.
4. All schools will remain closed through Thursday 29th September 2016.
5. The Emergency Operations Center was partially activated from 7:00 hrs on Wednesday September 28, 2016.
6. District Disaster Committees have been briefed and continue to update NEMO Secretariat on their areas.
7. At of 8:00 hours the George FL Charles airport was reopened on Thursday 29th September 2016.
8. The Hewanorra International Airport will reopen at 10:00 hours, Thursday 29th September 2016.
9. The Castries and Vieux Sea Ports are open to receive vessels, however as a result of power outages cargo delivery may be unavailable.
10. The Soufriere Hospital has moved to the Environmental Health Building at Deliau Street, Wingsville.
11. NEMO continues to communicate with the Director, Saint Lucia Met. Services for updates on the situation.
12. 6 shelters were opened:
a. Over 130 persons were accommodated in shelters at the Beanfield Secondary School, Fond St Jacques Roman Catholic Church, Soufriere SDA Church, Choiseul RC Church, Anse La Raye Parish Hall and the Gros Islet Roman Catholic Church;
b. Persons accommodated at the Anse La Raye Parish Hall and Gros Islet Roman Catholic Church have returned to their homes.
13. The Bare de Isle remains closed, however clearing crews have been mobilized.
OBSERVATIONS
During the course of the night reports were received on the impact of the storm and recorded by the respective District Disaster Committees including power outages in several communities; and flooding in all quadrants of Saint Lucia.
Next Steps -The MET Office will continue to monitor the weather situation and keep the public informed. NEMO Teams are currently conducting initial damage assessments.
Residents in affected areas are asked to report damage caused by the weather system to their respective District Disaster Committees. The public is again reminded that the official source for information are the MET OFFICE and NEMO in Saint Lucia.