Early reports indicate heavy structural damage to buildings and extensive agricultural losses in the Northern half of St Vincent.
(Kingstown -St Vincent) – The National Emergency Management Organisation says ten (10) hurricane shelters are opened so far, with some sixty-five persons taking refuge.
Reports have come to News784 of down power lines in the communities of Cedars, Point Village, Riley, Mesopotamia, and on the Grenadine island of Bequia.
The Northern community of Owia took a beating with the Government Primary School, Health Clinic, and Police Station, sustaining significant structural damage.
Several buildings in Sandy Bay, including the Police Station, have lost their roofs. This community, already devastated by the eruption of La Soufriere, had to contend with multiple mudflows on Friday.
In the South of the island, Belair resident Patel Gibson is now homeless after a fallen tree flattened his wooden structure. At the same time, several roads and bridges have been made impassable by fallen trees.
The island’s Minister of Agriculture, Saboto Caesar, told News784 that several extension officers communicated to him that there is extensive damage in the North of the island.
“I have received communication from farmers of extensive loss of livestock and crops, particularly plantain and bananas.”
“I am urging all farmers to stay indoors; when the all-clear is given, officials will see how best they can assist.”
St Vincent lost nearly 100% of their vegetable crops, 90% of their tree crops — like breadfruit and mangoes — and 80% of their root crops during the explosive eruptions of La Soufriere.
At 5 pm a Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for St. Vincent and the Grenadines as Hurricane Elsa continues its path into the Caribbean sea and away from the Windward Islands.
IN ITS LATEST RELEASE, the SVG Met Office said sustained surface winds between 35 and 55 mph (56 to 89 km/h) with higher gusts are expected to spread across St. Vincent and the Grenadines this evening with light rain and pockets of intense showers and thunderstorm activity.
Rainfall accumulations of at least 3 to 6 inches (75 to 150 mm) are possible with isolated higher amounts by tonight. Further accumulations of 2 inches (50 mm) are likely by Saturday night. This rainfall could cause life-threatening flash floods and mudslides.
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