HURRICANE NOEL DISCUSSION NUMBER 24 | Main | Hurricane Noel Expands, Heads North Over Atlantic
November 2, 2007
Tropical Storm Noel - Situation Report #2
Message: Heavy rains from Tropical Storm Noel affect Bahamas and Jamaica
THE EVENT:
Tropical Storm Noel (now upgraded to Hurricane Noel) began affecting the CDERA Participating States of Jamaica, Turks and Caicos and the Bahamas from Monday October 29, 2007. The system has also caused severe damage, flooding and loss of life in Haiti and the Dominican Republic.
Hurricane Noel moved across the Bahamas on Thursday November 1, 2007 as a strong Tropical Storm and was upgraded to a Category 1 Hurricane as it entered the Atlantic Ocean.
The heavy rains associated with this system caused severe flooding to the Bahamas and Jamaica.
THE BAHAMAS
Response Actions
The National Emergency Management Agency has reported that initial damage assessment teams are being deployed to the affected areas to assess and ascertain needs.
Two reconnaissance flights were dispatched this morning to enable an aerial view of damages that may have occurred on Exuma, Long Island, Eleuthera, Acklins, Cat Island, San Salvador and Rum Cay.
A naval vessel from the Royal Bahamas Defence Force is expected to sail to islands in Central Bahamas today.
NEMA has also secured the Mail Boat Service to assist in bringing relief to affected areas.
Casualities
One confirmed death reportedly by drowning on the Island of Exuma.
Airport
The International Airport has been reopened for regular commercial flights
All other air strips are operational except for Deadman’s Cay which is closed.
Stella Maris is open but the immediate surrounding areas are flooded.
Telephone & Electricity
Power supply was shut down for safety reasons. Telephone and electrical services have been restored to many areas of Long Island.
Restoration has been on going to areas that were affected namely Abaco and Cat Island, Staniard Creek, Andros and Great Harbour Cay.
Health
Environmental Safety Officers are on standby to monitor any food contamination issues as a result of flooding.
Shelters
Shelters are now closed
Needs
Needs are being addressed locally at this time.
NEMA is organizing shipments of food and bottled water, hygiene kits and equipment for distribution to the affected areas.
JAMAICA
The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) has reported flooding, landslides and blocked roads as a result of the heavy rains which affected the island yesterday Thursday November 1, 2007. Reports from St. Andrew indicated the following:
A landslide blocked the Gordon Town main road and the alternative route was also impassable.
Residents of the Kintyre community were marooned as the bridge leading out of the community had collapsed. The alternative route via Gordon Town Road was also blocked by a landslide.
The community of Irish Town was marooned as a result of landslides along the main roadway within the surrounding communities of Junapahill and Windsor.
Landslide and flooding occurred in the community of Harbour View, specifically along Harbour Drive.
Landslides occurred along the Bloxburgh road in the vicinity of Bito and Alderstad
Shelters
The Tavern Community Centre in St. Andrew is reportedly open and is currently sheltering three persons: two adults and one child from the communities of Tavern and Mud Town.
REGIONAL RESPONSE:
The Regional Response Mechanism remains on Standby.
The CDERA Coordinating Unit continues to monitor the impact of Hurricane Noel and stands ready to provide assistance if warranted.
Contact Details: The CDERA CU 24hr contact number is 246 425 0386
