Message:
Heavy rains cause severe flooding in Barbados and landslides in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.  Flood Watch remains in effect for Antigua and Barbuda.

Event:
A broad area of low pressure located over the northeastern Caribbean Sea and the Leeward Islands has been producing showers and thunderstorms from October 1, 2010. In Barbados, the entire island has been experiencing continuous rainfall and this has caused severe flooding in   the traditional flood areas. As a result, there has been a declaration of a partial shutdown on Monday, October 4, 2010 until 12 noon. A flood warning was in effect for Barbados until 4.00pm today.
Antigua and Barbuda and St. Vincent and the Grenadines have also been experiencing heavy rains and flood watches and warnings were in effect today. Numerous landslides have also been reported in St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Prognosis:
The forecast over the next 24 hours is for more rain and thunderstorms as the system remains over the eastern Caribbean.


Impact:

Barbados
The Department of Emergency Management (DEM) Secretariat has provided an Initial Situation Report of the impact of the low pressure system. Roving Teams have been providing DEM with information on impacted areas for targeted response.

•    Localized flooding was observed in central and western districts and several main roadways were cluttered with debris.
•    Several houses were flooded.
•    Two families were housed in shelters overnight but moved to stay with relatives, today, Monday October 4 2010.
•    The Fire Department rescued one person from a vehicle that was washed away.  

National Actions:

•    A partial shutdown of Barbados was declared until 12:00p.m. October 4, 2010 to facilitate initial clean up operations by residents, and the public and private sector.
•    The Ministry of Education closed schools today.
•    The flood warning was extended to 4:00 p.m. Monday, October 2010, at which time it will be reviewed.  
•    The Barbados Defense Force continues to assist with the evacuation of families from the flooded areas.
•    Ministry of Transport and Works (MTW) crews and volunteers are currently working to clear main road ways.
•    Damage Assessment will commence after rains subside.  Currently identification of families who require relief supplies is ongoing.


St. Vincent and the Grenadines
•    The National Emergency Management Organisation (NEMO) has provided an initial report of the impact.

•    There have been numerous landslides from Saturday, October 2, 2010 resulting in the disruption of vehicular traffic mainly on the Windward side of the island.

•    Two families have been relocated with other family members after landslide damaged their homes.

National Actions
•    The National Emergency Management Organisation (NEMO), the Ministry of Transport and Works, and the Building Roads and General Services Authority (BRAGSA) are conducting damage assessments.

•    The BRAGSA is conducting assessment on landslide damage to infrastructure and continues to work on clearing the roads.

•    The Ministry of Education closed schools today.


Actions by Coordinating Unit:
CDEMA made contact with the Department of Emergency Management in Barbados to get an overview of the situation and offer any assistance required.

The situation is managed at the national level. It is recognized that the potential exists for an upgrade of this level once further assessment is undertaken.

CDEMA has also been monitoring the situation in the other affected Participating States and will continue to so and provide updates as necessary.

Contact Details: the CDEMA CU 24Hr contact number is 246-425-0386