Post Hurricane Tammy Assessment is underway in Barbuda

By Aabigayle McIntosh

The National Office of Disaster Services (nods), continues the work to ensure that Antigua and Barbuda can prepare for a disaster adequately.

A team from the agency, along with the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force visited Barbuda Monday to conduct a first-hand assessment of Hurricane Tammy’s impact.

Hurricane Tammy, a category 1 hurricane with powerful gusts, struck Barbuda at approximately 9:15 p.m. last Saturday, resulting in flooding and an island-wide power outage.

NODS Director  Sherrod James said that the damage was relatively mild to moderate. However, he expressed concern regarding persistent flooding issues that must be addressed.

“We went over to meet with the disaster coordinator to assess the damage by air and sea. we saw mild to moderate wind damage, mainly superficial in terms of stuff thrown off from the roof,” James said.

While in Barbuda, the team met with the Disaster Coordinator, as well as people who were staying in shelters and members of the Barbuda Council to look at a strategic plan for the way forward to address an issue of flooding.

“That is going to be an area of concern in terms of treatment to prevent a vector in flood-prone areas.

“We also met with fire and police to assess their response in being able to remove persons in a timely manner, all in all, it was a very productive trip,” James said.

The NODS Director also expressed gratitude for the cooperation of the Antiguan and Barbudan public in heeding disaster officials’ warnings before and after the hurricane’s passage.