Saba & St.Eustatius - The Caribbean Hurricane Page - Local Reports on Tropical Systems threatening the Caribbean Islands

Date: Mon, 6 Dec 1999 19:14:34 -0600 From: jonathan_silverman AT chicago.kirkland.com Subject: saba Information on damage to the marine park and trails can be found at http://www.sabapark.com/news.htm

---------- Forwarded message ---------- Date: Wed, 01 Dec 1999 17:22:22 -0500 From: Bob Thompson <webmaster AT seasaba.com> Subject: Sea Saba Post-Lenny Update Gert, I'm forwarding along the following update that has been provided by Sea Saba. The same information is now provided on their web site at http://www.seasaba.com and continuing status updates will be posted there in the future. Bob Thompson http://www.seasaba.com webmaster AT seasaba.com November 28, 1999 Just a short ten days after Hurricane Lenny unleashed his late season power, resilient Saba is already beginning to look better. New growth is forming on Saba's battered foliage and those plants that survived Lenny's full fury are even flowering. Saba has always had a reputation as an immaculately well kept island. Non-stop efforts by Saba's Public Works Department in clearing debris in the wake of Lenny only leave us awaiting a healthy dose of sunshine to quickly restore Saba to its lush green state. As for Sea Saba, we will be accepting clients beginning December 3, but we do suggest that first time visitors to Saba delay their trips until December 20 wherever possible since we'd like you to experience Saba and Sea Saba at their finest. Hurricane Lenny confounded professional and amateur meteorologists alike (not to mention us) by not only developing so late in the year but also by forming in the western Caribbean and traveling in an easterly direction. The storm's unusual track and its accompanying large storm surge played havoc with many northeastern Caribbean ports and harbors with reports of storm surge damage as far south as Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao. Parking himself nearly due west of Saba as a Category 4 hurricane, Lenny incessantly battered Saba for some 30 hours with wind gusts to 170 mph and storm surge up to 30 feet. First, the good news… No losses of life or serious injuries were sustained on Saba. Unlike 1998's Hurricane Georges, there was little damage to privately owned island homes. Similarly, the Sacred Heart Elementary School, Saba Comprehensive School and the A.M Edwards Medical Center, so badly hit by Georges, sustained little or no damage. Only one hotel, Scout's Place, suffered significant damage. The Cottage Club, Juliana's, The Gate House and Queen's Gardens Resort report only minor cosmetic damage and are fully operational and ready for guests. El Momo and Willard's report only slightly more cosmetic damage and expect to be fully operational and ready to receive guests within the next week. As of this date, 95% of Saba's electrical and phone service has been restored. Our own phone service has been restored with the exception of our fax machine's line that we hope will be operational in the next day or so. David Kooistra, Manager of the Saba Marine Park, was able to conduct a few quick dives yesterday to assess reef damage, and reports only minimal damage to the shallower areas of Tent Reef and Ladder Bay sites. Saba's pinnacles walls and dramatic drop offs went unscathed as they normally do, and it is these sites for which Saba has earned her reputation as a world-class dive destination. Regular air service to and from Saba's Jauncho Yrausquin airport has resumed. However, already battered by Hurricane Georges, the airport's terminal and tower were destroyed by Lenny's knockout punch. On a positive note, we see this as providing increased incentive for the Island and Central Governments to obtain the funding necessary to expedite construction of the new terminal building that had already been planned and approved prior to Lenny. For the time being, however, you will have no problem in observing the sign that reads "Please Keep Your Luggage Outside" and that still remains standing. Indications are that emergency materials and supplies are en route to Saba to construct a temporary facility that will be used during construction of the new terminal facility. The most significant damage the island sustained was to Fort Bay, Saba's only port. While the large pier is essentially in tact, the small pier (sometimes referred to as Fisherman's Wharf) was severely damaged. As an essential lifeline, massive cleanup efforts are underway to restore Fort Bay's functionality. Dredging work began shortly after Lenny passed, and Saba has already received numerous supply vessels. At the same time, some of Saba's hardy fishermen who depend upon Fort Bay for their livelihoods are already using the facility. While it will be quite some time before normalcy returns, Fort Bay is becoming more and more functional with each passing day. Lenny's heavy storm surge caused considerable damage to buildings in Fort Bay including Sea Saba's workshop, fishermen's buildings and the Saba Marine Park's Hyperbaric facility. Our insurance companies have assured expedited claims processing so that our damaged equipment should be replaced by mid-December. Repairs to the building are already in progress. The Saba Marine Park's Hyperbaric facility sustained heavy damage but is repairable, and the Manager of the Saba Marine Park estimates that the facility will be functional for January 2000. On a personally sad note, Lenny's strength proved too much for Sea Saba's boats. Both the Fanny Mae and Marilyn K were lost in the storm. However, Sea Saba will resume limited diving operations on December 4 while temporarily make use of the L'il Sis. We are presently negotiating the purchase of two new identical boats and our goal is to have the diving operation back to normal by December 20. We feel that these new boats will allow us to provide our customers with even greater service and comfort. On a final positive note, our Windwardside facility survived intact and is being staffed on a daily basis by Lynn and Sue who will gladly answer any questions you may have. Alternatively, you may contact Beth Jansen at Dive Saba Travel. Contact information is listed below. Despite this late season setback, we at Sea Saba remain optimistic for a healthy 2000 peak season. We'll be back in full swing shortly and we sincerely hope that all of you will be back too as we continue to dive the Sea Saba difference… except of course for you Lenny! Lynn Costenaro, John Magor and the Sea Saba Crew Contact Info: Sea Saba Advanced Dive Center PO Box 598 Windwardside, Saba Netherlands Antilles Phone: 011-599-4-62246 Fax: 011-599-4-62362 E-Mail: diving AT seasaba.com Alternate Contact Info: Beth Jansen Dive Saba Travel 4492 Harper Hill Road SE Port Orchard, WA 98367 Toll Free: (800) 883-SABA Phone: (360) 871-7332 Fax: (360) 871-7335 E-Mail: divesaba AT aol.com Bob Thompson http://www.seasaba.com webmaster AT seasaba.com

Fyi, the Saba Tourist Office has posted an official Lenny update on their web site. The address is http://www.turq.com/saba/ ----------------- Graham Talbot Turquoise Interactive http://www.turq.com e-mail: graham AT turq.com

Had contact again with our parents last night. No personall injuries on Statia. Small update for everyone known to the region. The freighter "Miss D2" Had a problem during the storm close to St. Kitts. The door opened and a container with food bound for Statia (wich they really need right now) went in the ocean. Together with 6 brand new cars and I am sorry to say one of its crew. Not seen again. This is the first loss of live I have heard confirmed. The man had a family somewhere, these people work hard for a small fee, I allready said a prayer for him. I call on all of you to do the same. Try to keep you all updated On Statia. Anton & Barbara Kanters

I just talked to somone at the Cottage Club Hotel. She said that phone service is sporadic and they are working to restore it to rest of Island. Also that the airport is open but no phones due to the main building is not there anymore.

---------- Forwarded message ---------- Date: Tue, 23 Nov 1999 11:40:03 -0600 From: jonathan_silverman AT chicago.kirkland.com Subject: Information re flights in and out of Saba According to Winair's US representative in Connecticut, the Saba's airport is open and flights are going in and out. Because I have not been able to get in touch with anyone on Saba, I have not been able to verify this information.

Yesterday we spoke with our parents on Statia. (Dutch plumbing service N.V.) and this is what we know so far. The Golden Era Hotel and Ginhouse are evacuated.The Bay road is still flooded due to surge. The Hospital got through O.K., the airport doesn't have too much damage. Power is still off on the Hill. The Golden Rock area wich suffer extensifly last time got through O.K. (guess they did a good job rebuilding). Further we do not have reports on any personal injuries. (lets hope there aren't any). Will have contact with the island again today if permits. If so will keep you updated. wish you all the best. Anton & Barbara Kanters.

I talked to an Amateur Radio friend on Saba about 5 Pm EST and also to Laura Hassell about conditions on Saba. There were no major injuries or deaths on Saba although some building damage.. The power plant got by with-out damage and is is starting to power up the south end now. (6 PM) The remains of the Airport terminal were further destroyed as was the temporary control tower. Henry Hassell, hhassell AT i2020.net

---------- Forwarded message ---------- Date: Sat, 20 Nov 1999 14:56:12 -0500 From: Kinda McBride <kmcbride AT one.net> Subject: Re: Saba The phones are up on Saba now, although I have not been able to get through to anyone (I'm in OH). My sister in FL talked to an aunt earlier today and got a general update. They thought the winds were worse than Georges last year, and it lasted forever. There was a lot of damage, but I don't know the extent yet. Everyone got through it ok, though, which is the important part. The airport was severely damaged, as was Fort Bay, but I don't have a lot of info about houses yet. I know many rooves stayed on, as a lot were replaced after Georges last year. Hell's Gate got through pretty well, but I'm not sure about the other villages. They did not expect a storm that quickly and that strong, as is the case with the other islands. I'll write again if I find out more.

What I know so far: Windward planes still in Curacao, not too much damage on Statia, can't go on lower road, they're blocked by mud slides. I expect another call later today with more specific information. Will pass info on to you when I know more. I was able to call there today, I called Lynn Rouse, and Jana Mason called me, so the telephones are okay, they all had local service during the hurricane, I think they took the dish down and that's why international calls couldn't go through. More later, S. (the Queen is supposed to come on Friday to access the damage)

Found on our Bulletin Board ( http://www2.gobeach.com/help/ ), buried in the hundreds of other messages: --- Name: stephanie janoska (clifgate AT AOL.com) Date: 11-20-99 08:57 Got a call early this morning from Statia, things are pretty good, no-one hurt, not too much damage. Don't have too many details, some mud slides on lower road. You should be able to get through. --- * ** *** Gert van Dijken ( gert AT vandijken.com ) **** The Caribbean Hurricane Page - http://www2.gobeach.com/hurr.htm

At this time the only information we have is that they is a lot of damage, but no specifics, winds still high earlier this morning and roads diffficult to get thru, we are hoping to hear more information soon. I have understood from an email from Curacao that a Hercules plane is coming there or is on stand by, to carry relief goods and people, to SXM as soon as weather permits, a man-of-war, in the vicinty of about an hour away from Statia is waiting for the seas to subside more to get in. That's about all we know for now.

Date: Thu, 18 Nov 1999 07:44:49 -0400 From: Steve Hassell <skhassell AT nwwin.com> Hurricane Lenny update on Saba For any of those needing to get in contact with Saba, we can't get through either. However, we were able to get in contact with Stmaarten, and have this number for a satelite link at the Lt. Governor's house. THis is the number: (from the US): ********** This may not be on all the time, so keep trying. Saba's current status, Hurricane LEnny stationary, about 30 miles west southwest of Stmaarten. The worst is still yet to come, so far there has been little damage in Saba. The winds will continue like this for at least another 12 hours seeing the storm is stationary. Anyone having information, or knows of anyone's phone still working, or any other information, please contact us, Steve and Kathy Hassell, at 713-944-9066 or 713-946-2819, or email: skhassell AT hotmail.com As soon we have more information we will post it. Steve and Kathy Hassell

I have been in contact with my best friend on Saba and she has been keeping updated on the situation. Wins is really blowing hard and seems to be getting stronger right now. They people on the radio say that St. Maarten is getting it worse. I hear that the water by Pelican Key and Maho has taken over roads and some land. They evacuated most of Pelican area. Saba hopefully will be better off sice everyone is higher than water level. I used to live there and don't mind keeping you updated! Jill Gargano reach me at jilgargano AT hotmail.com

Press Release - Island Territory of Saba Saba Government Information Service (SGIS) Phone: (599) 04/63311, 63312, 63313 Contact Person: Roddy Heyliger, Communications Consultant/SGIS (St. Maarten Cell 92720; Phone/Fax (599 05) 43829) E-Mail: sabagis AT hotmail.com For Immediate Release: Sunday October 24 1999 Number of Pages Faxed: Saba Reports Close to Naf.300,000 in Damages Lt. Governor of the Island Territory of Saba Antoine Solagnier, states that a preliminary assessment shows that there is close to Naf.300,000 in damages caused by Hurricane Jose. A final assessment is expected on Monday and this will be forwarded to the Federal Government for possible reconstruction and development aid. Solagnier says that part of the damages can be covered by the Island Government, but external assistance will be needed. Members of the Executive Council on Sunday met with Governor General Jaime Saleh, Prime Minister Suzy Camelia-Romer, and Minister of Finance Russell Voges. The aforementioned delegation visited the island to assess the damage. Members of the Executive Council briefed the delegation about the situation. The road leading to the Fort Bay Harbour is closed to vehicular traffic due to the threat of landslides. On Sunday the Fire Department was busy washing down some of the rocks from the hillside which pose a threat of coming down at a later stage. The Fire Department will continue with its assignment on Monday and according to the Lt. Governor/Chief of Police Antoine Solagnier, hopefully the road will be open to vehicular traffic by Monday afternoon. Damages to this area is estimated at Naf.30,000 which also includes the Recreational Building at the harbour. Commissioner of Port Affairs Will Johnson says that an alternative road to the harbour is needed as can be seen from the events caused by Hurricane Jose. Johnson says that this alternative road must be seriously looked into. Another area that has been damaged is the Well's Bay Road where a wall was washed away. The Juancho Yrausquin Airport has Naf.150,000 in damages. An embankment near the apron as well as a fence was washed away. The airport however is open to commercial traffic. There is an amount of sedimentation built up behind the Capt. L.A.I. Chance Pier. An amount of Naf.75,000 has been budgeted to dredge this area behind the pier before it is washed to the inside of pier causing a hazard to maritime traffic. Their may also be damage some damage to the inside of the Fishermen's Wharf as well as to the inside of the Chance Pier. There was a number of landslides in The Bottom as well as in the village of Hell's Gate. Part of the road network was blocked, but later cleared by the Public Works Department. The tourism infrastructure is ok according to the Director of Tourism Glenn Holm. Their was some minor flooding which has already been taken care of. Electricity and telecommunications is up and running. Saba GEBE Manager Dexter Johnson stated on Sunday that lightning had struck a transformer which knocked out the electricity, but this was repaired by GEBE personnel. Commissioner Johnson added that during the past days the island received 18 to 191/2 inches of rain. "Jugglars Pool in Rendevouz was full and overflowing. It formed a lake and attracted tourists and medical students to the site. Back in 1955 we had the Alice flood which brought with it in four hours 24 inches of rain," Johnson stated. Antoine Solagnier says that he would like to thank the personnel of the Department of Public Works, the Marines as well as the Fire Department and residents for their roles in the orderly preparation before the hurricane and the clean-up thereafter. The Governor General's delegation was given an island tour with the exception of the harbour area. The delegation was also accompanied by the National Disaster Coordinator as well as a Military representative. Roddy Heyliger Communications Consultant - Information Provider Email: medprocomm AT hotmail.com sabagis AT hotmail.com Visit St. Maarten/Saba Web Sites: www.mrstm.com, www.mssaba.com For Caribbean Vacancies visit: www.caribbeanjobfair.com

THE BOTTOM, SABA - The Lt. Governor of the Island Territory of Saba Antoine Solagnier, has advised residents not to go out driving due to the torrential rain fall. The heavy rains could result in landslides. Those persons who need to go out are advised to drive with extreme caution due to low visibility in the villages of Hell's Gate, Windwardside and St. John's. Emergency services have been busy on Friday with the restoration of electricity to certain homes that didn't have any. The island has been experiencing thunderstorms and lightning with high gusty winds since Thursday night. One resident said that the winds were higher than the night before. The majority of business on Saba are close. Roddy Heyliger Communications Consultant - Information Provider Email: medprocomm AT hotmail.com sabagis AT hotmail.com Visit St. Maarten/Saba Web Sites: www.mrstm.com, www.mssaba.com For Caribbean Vacancies visit: www.caribbeanjobfair.com

THE BOTTOM, SABA - Lt. Governor Antoine Solagnier made a preliminary assessment of the situation on the island Thursday morning and reports that their has been no structural damage on the island. On Friday it will be business as usual for the private sector. The tourism infrastructure did not suffer any damage and is intact. Tree branches, traffic signs and some stones littered certain parts of the island due to the high gusty winds on Wednesday afternoon and evening. Restoration of Electrcity Ongoing Work crews from GEBE are busy with restoring electricity and the Governor is hoping that by the end of the day (Thursday) that all residents would have electricity. The Fire Department is accompanying the crews as a safety measure as they go from village to village checking the high and low tension lines. Telecommunications The island did not any telecommunication problems based on a preliminary assessment up to now. All phones are in working condition. Airport/Harbour The Airport Terminal Building at the Juancho Yrausquin Airport was not damaged. Preparations will be made to have the airport open for Friday morning. Pending weather conditions on Friday, the first commercial flights may be able to land. Heavy seas continue to pound the Capt. L.A.I. Chance Pier as well as the Fishermen's Wharf at the Fort Bay Harbour. According to the Lt. Governor, the possibility exist that some sedimentation may have occured inside the harbour, but this could not be fully assessed due to the rough seas. Hurricane Emergency Centers The Emergency Centers were closed at 12midnight last night (Thursday). Personnel manning the centers were also sent home and the Governor would like to thank those who assisted. School and Government Offices Normal school service will resume on Monday. Government Offices are closed on Friday as it is a holiday for government employees. The offices will be open at regular office hours on Monday. Wednesday Night Weather Conditions According to Lt. Governor Antoine Solagnier, the villages of Hell's Gate and Windwardside experienced sustained wind speeds of over 35 miles per hour with gusts to 50 miles per hour or higher. The wind speeds in the villages of St. John's and The Bottom were not bad when compared to the two other villages. Roddy Heyliger - Information Provider Saba Government Information Service SGIS Email: sabagis AT hotmail.com Web Site Saba News: www.mssaba.com ______________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com

Press Release - Island Territory of Saba Saba Government Information Service (SGIS) Phone: (599) 04/63311, 63312, 63313 Contact Person: Roddy Heyliger, Communications Consultant/SGIS (St. Maarten Cell 92720; Phone/Fax (599 05) 43829) E-Mail: sabagis AT hotmail.com Advisory 1 For Immediate Release: Tuesday October 19 1999/8.00pm Number of Pages Faxed: Saba Well Prepared for Hurricane Jose Lt. Governor Antoine Solagnier reports that Saba is well prepared for Hurricane Jose. "Everyone is better prepared than last year. The level of attention is higher," Solagnier points out. The National Hurricane Committee met on Tuesday morning to discuss the approaching Hurricane and a plan of action. The Department of Public Works (DOW) throughout Tuesday started to close up Government Buildings. This action will continue and be completed on Wednesday morning. The Terminal Building at the Juancho Yrausquin Airport has been boarded up and all telecommunications and air traffic control equipment secured. All vessels with the exception of one dive boat at the Fort Bay Harbour have been taken out of the water or have sought shelter elsewhere. Advisory The Lt. Governor is advising all residents to only go outside on Wednesday if necessary. Those who have not completed their hurricane preparations in relation to boarding up their homes should do so early Wednesday morning. The Department of Public Works will be making their final preparations in relation to the final approach of Hurricane Jose. Governor to Address the Nation Lt. Governor Antoine Solagnier will be addressing the people of Saba on Wednesday October 20 on the local Radio Station PJF-1 93.9 FM pertaining to the approaching hurricane. Solagnier will at that time provide additional information to the residents of Saba. Residents are asked to stay tuned as the time for the national address is not yet known. Emergency Hurricane Shelters Emergency Hurricane Shelters will be open from Wednesday morning at 10.00am They will be manned by two marines. On Tuesday the shelters were prepared and stocked with medical and other supplies. The Governor has established an Emergency Operations Center (EOC) at his Residence in The Bottom. A satellite telecommunications system has already been set up and is functioning. A contingent of 13-Dutch Marines arrived on the island on Tuesday just by coincidence. They were on another assignment, but will be used to man the EOC, and the Emergency Hurricane Shelters. The decision to bring in additional Police or other support personnel from various branches of Government or other bodies according to Solagnier will be made at a later stage. Otherwise everything is ready and all preparations have been made. Roddy Heyliger Communications Consultant - Information Provider Email: medprocomm AT hotmail.com sabagis AT hotmail.com Visit St. Maarten/Saba Web Sites: www.mrstm.com, www.mssaba.com For Caribbean Vacancies visit: www.caribbeanjobfair.com

Sunday Sept 12 Hi folks, Airport The Island Territory of Saba has been experiencing Hurricane Floyds feeder bands especially today Sunday. The wind is out of the South and up until 3pm all regular Winair flights were cancelled due to cross winds at the Juancho Yrausquin Airport, Flat Point. On Friday and Saturday all four daily flights landed as usual. Harbour Reports coming from the Fort Bay Harbour on Sunday afternoon indicate very rough seas due to the Southerly winds. It was reported from the Harbour Master's Office that none of the local fishermen nor dive operators took out their boats as a precaution. However the Sea Rescue Foundation did take out their vessel. Overall Weather Conditions The island has been receiving some small showers over the weekend. On Saturday evening the winds became more gusty and shifted to the South and has been so throughout Sunday. Their was some thunder and lightning Saturday evening as well as thick fog. Roddy Heyliger Communications Consultant Email: medprocomm AT hotmail.com sabagis AT hotmail.com For Saba News: www.antilleannews.net For Caribbean Vacancies visit: www.caribbeanjobfair.com

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