TS Phillipe a reminder of VI vulnerability to climate change – Premier Dr Wheatley
“We can all agree that this was a considerable volume of rainfall, it was a lot more than was initially forecast and we can all appreciate that such a high volume of sustained rainfall over such a lengthy period of time would no doubt put significant pressure on our infrastructure and our resources, which it did.”
Premier Dr Wheatley was at the time speaking at a press briefing and Update on the State of the Territory, Trip to Monaco, UN Presentation, and Tropical Storm Philippe yesterday, Friday, October 6, 2023.
Building Resilience in VI
The premier added that due to the impacts of climate change, extreme weather events have become more frequent, and as such, there is a need to build resilience into VI infrastructure and the local society.
He added that those responsible for climate change should support those who are most vulnerable, "and that is why we have championed a multidimensional vulnerability index that would make climate financing available to small island developing states such as ours who faced the brunt of climatic disasters,” he said.
Dr Wheatley said that the VI will do all that it can within the local resources to respond in the face of extreme weather events. He reminded as part of hurricane preparedness, guts, and major drains were cleaned, but the system was simply too overwhelmed by the sheer volume of the water from Phillipe.
“Our infrastructure held up in most cases, though we have seen areas that require our immediate attention. The full report on the impact of the storm and the scope and cost of the damages is being completed, but the preliminary impacts include the flooding in the capital of Road Town, Hunthums Ghut, Pasea, Sea Cows Bay, and West End.”
Tree in Ghut ultimately caused ESHS flooding - Premier reveals
He detailed that in the case of water entering the ground floor of the new Elmore Stoutt High School building, a tree falling into the nearby Ghut caused the water to spill over.
“Some homes and businesses were affected by the heavy rainfall and the flooding. Portions of roadways have been undermined in the Windy Hill area in Carrot Bay and Bruce Bay. In some areas we had rocks and debris falling on the roads. We also saw interruptions in the electricity power supply,”
Premier Wheatley thanks local teams including the DDM and from the Ministry of Communications and Works and the Public Works Department as well as other responders such as the fire services and PWD for being prompt in clearing the debris from the roads and water courses.
He also acknowledged private contractors who helped BVI Electricity Corporation to restore power along with commending the community spirit of the VI which saw residents come out to lend a hand with the cleanup in the capital city and other areas.
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19 Responses to “TS Phillipe a reminder of VI vulnerability to climate change – Premier Dr Wheatley”
For freddy's sake, IT WAS RAIN! JUST RAIN!!!!!!
THE GOOD NEWS: the name of IRMA can finally r.i.p
THE BAD NEWS: TS PHILIPE has now taken over, for the next 6 years at least!