There is sadness in Antigua and Barbuda this morning as a fire affected the Yacht Club Marina in English Harbour as well as several businesses at Falmouth Harbour even as the island faced heavy rains, lightning and widespread flooding from Tropical Storm Philippe.
State media ABS television/radio reported that a fire affected Skull Duggery café, Yacht Club Marina Gym, Cloggy’s, Dock Master Office and Dockside Liquor.
Prime Minister Gaston Browne commented on the situation online: “Giving thanks that no one got seriously hurt. We have been spared the worst. As a resilient people, we soldier on.”
The luxury yacht Alfa Nero was moved on Monday before the storm.
The prime minister noted the Yacht Club Marina where the Alfa Nero was docked, was completely gutted by fire. He said several businesses were destroyed resulting in at least 100 job losses.
Meanwhile in a situation on Tropical Storm Philippe, the National Office of Disaster Service (NODS) in Antigua and Barbuda says there have been over 30 requests for search and rescue following widespread flooding throughout the island as a result of conditions associated with Tropical Storm Philippe.
Emergency 911 reported to the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) that some residents who were stranded in their vehicles in Bathlodge and on the Airport Road had to be rescued. Many of these individuals were travelling late on the roadways.
There were also individuals whose homes were flooded in areas such as Piggotts. Cassada Gardens and the vicinity of the Potworks Dam who received assistance from emergency personnel.
There was one report that a bus got stuck in flood waters in the Golden Grove extension area.
District Disaster Coordinators who volunteer on behalf of NODS in various communities have reported flooding in quite a number of other areas like Upper Fort Road, Grays Farm/Green Bay and other communities. A few people are also being accommodated in shelters in several districts.
NODS says in addition to the flooding and rescue efforts, firefighters continue to suppress a major fire that is now taking place at the Yacht Club Marina in English Harbour. According to reports, wind gusts are a challenge in getting the blaze extinguished.
Meanwhile, emergency personnel have noted a high number of persons driving on the roads and are appealing to individuals to remain indoors until given the all-clear by the authorities to go outside.
It noted that with the flood waters and debris that would be on the roadways at this time, individuals run the risk of putting themselves in danger and should take the necessary precautions to remain safe. (Loop News)
