Experiencing Hurricane Irma- 2
The storm force winds were still blowing 2 days after the hurricane had passed the Island; the realization that the Island was completely isolated was a shock; the only radio stations that could be heard on my battery operated radio were Spanish stations out of Puerto Rico, and those went silent when Irma hit that Island.
I was anxious to see if the art gallery had any damage, the gallery is 15 minutes away from our home but after 2 hours in traffic we returned home.
It was obvious that the Island had suffered severe damage, there were 15 inch diameter utility poles that were broken like match sticks, the fallen poles and wires were blocking the roads, it was not safe, so we decided to wait until the roads were cleared and the Island was given the all clear.
A few concrete buildings were completely destroyed; no one was speared, nearly all the churches, schools and government buildings were severely damaged, three of the schools, two government buildings including the ferry terminal which currently caters for 90 % of all arrivals on the Island, has since been completely demolished.
It is now over one month since the hurricane and only about 10% of electricity service has been restored and no running water or regular Internet service.
How is my online business affected? My ranking at WA went from 80 to 1.180; there was an issue with one of my websites, which I am still trying to resolve.
All the communication towers were destroyed; in the past week one server was renting wireless modems to corporations only, they have since been depleted.
One of my business friends was able to rent one, and he is allowing me to piggyback on his good fortune. He shuts his generator off at 3pm.
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Just so tragic, Courtney. So sorry to hear of your situation but relieved you are all safe. I hope your art gallery survived!
Thanks, the art gallery was not damaged, just one of the steel fencing around the building was blown down. there was a small amount of water on the floor but not enough to damage any of the art work.
It sounds just horrible!! I am thankful that you were not hurt in the storm. I pray for a speedy recovery and a normal life for you again.
T
The power company has suggested a period of 6 months before full service is restored, they are expecting outside help and have been receiving some; one of the problems is materials as many Islands were also affected and our wires are above ground.90% of the poles were destroyed. St Martin/St Maarten has restored about 60 to 75% of their service but most of their wires are underground.Anguilla was discussing the issue for years but the cost is 4 to 5 times higher and we only have 6000 customers.
I hope that you are not without power for 6 months. That would almost be incredible. Maybe they will look at placing the power lines underground this time. There will probably be more hurricanes that will come through and hit. I pray not, but the law of averages says "Yes"
Keep me updated as your situation improves, My prayers and thoughts are with you always.
T
It sounds like a long, frustrating road to rebuilding and recovery. I hope you can manage ok.
Yes it will be a long road back,most of the hotels were badly damaged and might not be in full operation until April next year; my business is a tourist business and I can count the number of local customers on one hand. My hope and saviour will have to be my gallery website but I was having some issues with the site which was due to circumstances beyond my control.
You know Courtney that you are one of the lucky ones. Yes, you were severely damaged, but you are alive and well enough to tell the world about it. I have so many times dreamt of living on an island, as you, but never fathomed the consequences of a severe storm leveling the building. Tragedies like these are supposed to make us stronger. I hope this is true.
May you find peace in the rebuilding of your community and prosper with your faith. Good luck to you.
Ken
Thank you Ken but when it is not one thing its another, look at those people who were attending a concert. I am concerned for the people of Dominica who not only lost homes but many lives. Our sister twin Islands are still not sure how many lives they lost, I am hearing a number of 200 boats that sank and there were people who refused to leave their boats including yachts. One of our locals tried to persuade a lady and her two daughters to leave their yacht but they refused, the yacht sank, he said he is having nightmares because he was unable to persuade them to leave the yacht. Luckily we only had one death in Anguilla. Many of the houses in Anguilla has concrete roofs and I am sure Irma will force changes to the building code.
I read between the lines you are still in deep trouble, I do hope the help will be organized soon for you. No running water for weeks now! That's terrible! Electricity and communication handicapped. I am so sorry for you.
Thanks Loes, Thanks for your help in trying to help me solve an issue, I spent all day yesterday dealing with it and hopefully the site will be up soon.Yes we are still in deep trouble; Luckily two close American friends has a luxury villa on the Island, the damage to the villa was not severe, 2 of the bedrooms are intact, and they have a permanent generator but no Internet, They have offered us the use of the villa; we do not sleep there because of our cat, one of our friends is allergic to cats; but we do go there during the day for showers, washing clothes and charging devices and especially for a good cup of coffee.we are very thankful for their generous offer.
How nice of them, those are real friends! I do hope your website will be up and running soon again, if there is anything I can do to speed it up, please tell me. Have a nice day, Courtney
Thanks Mike my greatest lost is the ability to carve but I have started to create ceramics using the slab roller, of course I cannot fire or decorate them;this morning a friend told me he saw a battery operated grinder in one of the hardware stores I plan to go and debate whether I can afford it at this time.
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I'm glad to hear that you're okay Courtney. It was such a shock to realize the devastation that these hurricanes brought. I know that many churches and other organizations here in the US are doing what they can to help the islands. I hope help reaches you also in Anguilla.
Thanks the help to Anguilla is coming slowly; Anguillians are proud people, even the red cross relief has issues, there is a certain element of welfare mentality that is preventing some people who really need help from waiting in line. I needed a tarpaulin to cover the roof of my container which houses all my electrical tools and equipment, I could not find any where to buy one, I waited 3 weeks until I thought people who lost roofs had their need satisfied and they still refused me one. A particular church group just left the Island and I applauded the way they handled their relief. They spent $38000.00 US dollars on food baskets from the local supermarkets, to support the local economy.The disaster management team and the welfare department determined the recipients.