Experiencing Hurricane Irma-3
It took us one week to reach the Art Gallery; Thank God there was no damage to the building, only the steel fencing was damaged and there was some water on the floor; but Irma forced water into impossible places.
There were many utility poles, wires and trees still lying across the roads which had to be maneuvered carefully; The severity of the damage was shocking, we had to pass 3 petrol and diesel stations on our way to the gallery; They were all damaged and one totally destroyed. It is now 37 days later and two of them are still not functioning.
There are three more petrol stations on the Island and all were damaged and out of commission. All the schools received extensive damage and three of them has since been demolished and due to be rebuilt.
The airport, the ferry terminal, the hospital and most of the government building received extensive damage and the ferry terminal and two of the government buildings were flattened and have to be rebuilt.
All the major hotels and smaller boutique hotels are severely damaged and some might not reopen until April 2018.
All of the beach bars and restaurants received extensive damage and most of them disappeared completely, one of the popular historic nightspots has only the foundation slab remaining.
Forty ft. containers became missiles and flew like kites; the amount of debris and Zinc was amazing; The trees were left naked and burnt looking and many of the large tamarind tress that survived many hurricanes are now uprooted and looking like sleeping giants.
The only joyful spirit left on the island is seeing the fresh green leaves emerging; even on some of the sleeping giants that were not uprooted entirely.
The struggle is on for food and water, limited supplies are coming in to the super markets, but fresh produce is rare and costly; there are conscious choices because there is limited refrigeration, unless you own a generator and few people can afford to run their generators for 24 hours a day.
Many vehicles are driving around like they were in a demolition derby, without bumpers, front grids, broken windscreens and glasses or bodywork damaged by missiles.
Money is the major problem; many people are out of work and may not have work for six months.
There are opportunities for work in certain areas like construction, landscaping and car repairs; but the ability to pay is a problem.
Happily I was able to fix the website problem at WA, just awaiting results.
Recent Comments
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This is all so sad. I am assuming that you must have power and limited internet. Please keep us advised of your progress.
T
I think Loes has a good idea there Courtney!
Apart from that, it is good news that you and your family are safe.
Hopefully, that joyful spirit will replenish and give people hope.
Things are rough for all, no one was spared, there is a lot of suffering but you won't hear it.
It is devastating the force of mother nature. I remember Yolanda back in 2013 in Tacloban Philippines which killed an estimated
15,000 people. FEROCIOUS
You can start writing a desk book/manual Courtney, about surviving a hurricane, including images, troubles you face etc.
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Courtney, thank God that you and the family is doing okay. I am so heartfelt for families that got hit by hurricane Irma-3. Man I thought it had found it's back into the sea.
Well, it is a blessing that you bring the updates to all of us here at WA.
I will continue to pray for materials and moneytary values of things that was mutilated or destroyed by that horrific storm.
Everyone sends