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- - - 2017 Hurricane Season - - -
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- We're in St John USVI
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- By Gianna <denisgianna at yahoo.com>
- Date: Thu, 5 Oct 2017 13:32:54 +0000 (UTC)
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Tortola is right next to us...four short miles.
Like Tortola, St John suffered major damage. We have 750 beautiful villas, and
95% need repair. Some are roofless, some, like the one in which we took refuge,
have every single window and door blown out and substantial water damage. Irma
brought winds of 250 mile/hour with stronger twisters to 270 miles/hour. We have
sketchy Internet areas now, but no power except for the lucky few with a working
generator. I say working because, not being used and poorly serviced, some quit
right after Irma and are now silent. Water damage from Maria is extensive,
particularly because Irma opened grooves and weakened or tore fixtures. Food
and
gas were scarce or non-existent for the first five days after Irma,but this
torture was prolonged by Maria, that took out our only source of provisions:
Puerto Rico.
US organizations shuttled food and water by helicopter from Puerto Rico until it
went down. St Thomas airport was out of commission until last week, with small
planes turned upside down on the tarmac, so a Navy ship was stationed out in the
ocean for a while. Private organizations such as Bloomberg set up clinics and
donated money and equipment. FEMA set up a shelter by a (heavily damaged)
school
and is serving meals. Cruz Bay is a boating cemetery. One hundred and three
boats sheltered in Hurricane Hole in Coral Bay. Only eight survived. Coral By is
located the closest to Tortola and it will take six months before they regain
electricity. I saw a picture of Jost VanDike, BVI taken from the air. The island
is bare and all homes are destroyed. The US Coast guard evacuated a number of
people from it right after Irma.
Let me know if you need more. Ask for specifics.
Gianna
Â
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- "about a week out" if this was a normal situation
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- By Phyllis Benton <crabbys at earthlink.net>
- Date: Sun, 1 Oct 2017 21:48:17 -0400
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Gert and the group -
Sorry there has been so much radio silence. Communication coming from St. John
is still spotty but is getting a bit better. We are off island, but are in
direct contact with people on island and others who evacuated. All say that
the devastation is hard to even describe. The photos posted on Facebook show
brown sticks replacing what was once green, lush vegetation. Homes are
severely damaged or, in quite a few cases, totally destroyed. This storm was
one for the record books. Someone described progress, three weeks after the
storm hit, as being “about a week out”. Everyone on island apparently made it
through the storm. Yet. we now hearing about some of the people with island
connection who are unaccounted for.
Since Irma hit STJ on Sept. 6, there has been baby steps forward regarding
internet, cell service and the delivery of basic food and other goods. But
hope is alive for recovery. Quite a few people were evacuated by private boats
from neighboring St. Croix and Puerto Rico (before they got run over by Maria).
Such an outpouring of love from our Caribbean neighbors. They have been
scattered like the wind for the time being, yet many remain in contact with one
another, and hope that returning to St. John will not be all that far off.
Electricity is not expected to be back for months, but people have dealt with
this before, and seem committed to staying on island to help with recovery.
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- From Dave by Text
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- By Gert van Dijken <gert at vandijken.com>
- Date: Sat, 30 Sep 2017 09:27:35 -0700
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Good morning!
ST. CROIX — Governor Kenneth Mapp announced during his Friday press briefing a further easing of the curfews in the St. Croix and St. Thomas-St. John districts. For St. Croix, the curfew is now 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 a.m., meaning St. Croix residents have between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. daily to conduct their business. For the St. Thomas-St. John District, the curfew is now 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
Mr. Mapp announced that 866 people on St. Croix were accommodated on Royal Caribbean’s Adventures of the Seas cruise ship today, as part of the government’s “mercy mission” voyages. The ship left the Frederiksted dock at 5:00 p.m. today and headed to St. Thomas, where it will accommodate more persons before making a two-day trip to Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Once there, mercy mission passengers are to make their own way.
In a press conference on Monday to be held in St. Thomas, Attorney General Claude Walker, along with the Medical Examiner’s Office, will reveal for the first time the identity of those who died as a result of Hurricanes Irma and Maria. Mr. Mapp said the death toll, once said to be 7, had been reduced to 5, following autopsy results.
While the governor expressed sympathy to the families of those who died, he lauded residents’ heeding of warnings to either prepare themselves or evacuate their homes, stating that the small number of deaths and trauma served as a testament to their preparation.
“I cannot say that it’s five [deaths] in two hurricanes without saying that that’s still — for the kind of winds that went through the V.I. and the kinds of destruction that we suffered, to lose five souls and to not have a lot of trauma — is amazing,” Mr. Mapp said.
On a sad note, a Virgin Islands National Guard soldier was killed in St. Thomas on Thursday, according to Adjutant General Deborah Howell. The soldier, Private First Class Kyjuan Naughton, 21, was killed in the Smith Bay area while off duty. Private Naughton joined the V.I. National Guard in December 2014 and served honorably with the 661st Military Police Detachment, according to Adjt. Gen. Howell. She relayed the news to Private Naughton’s family on Thursday, and said that, “It is the most difficult charge as a commander to relay the news of losing a service member.”
Private Naughton’s death has been deemed a homicide, and the V.I.P.D. along with its federal partners are investigating the incident. The governor, along with William Vogel, federal coordinating officer of FEMA Region II and V.I.P.D. Commissioner Delroy Richards, expressed condolences to Private Naughton’s family.
Below, find the other important updates from Mr. Mapp’s Friday press briefing.
The Department of Planning and Natural will begin regulation of non-permitted generators and air pollution control where these generators are being used. Homes utilizing these non-permitted generators are allowed to operate from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily. Operation thereafter would be violation of law and persons found wanting will be subject to penalty. D.P.N.R. enforcement teams will be out in neighborhoods enforcing the regulation, according to Mr. Mapp.
Distribution Centers will open from 12 noon to 4:00 p.m. Saturday on St. Croix only.
The governor will host a joint press conference next week with cruise line CEOs to discuss the potential for cruise ships to resume visits to both St. Thomas and St. Croix.
The governor said weather forecasts predict thunderstorms and heavy rainfall in the territory through Sunday, and urged residents to take precautionary measures.
No more meals ready to eat (MREs) will be coming into the territory, the governor said, stressing his administration’s efforts to move to the recovery stage following the two disasters. In light of this, distribution centers, beginning next week, will open four days a week for four hours a day.
The territory’s leader stressed that displaced residents currently staying at shelters should not worry about being put out. He said while the government is aiming for an October 9 school reopening for the St. Thomas-St. John District, and will need the Lockhart Elementary School to accommodate students, housing would first be arranged for those in shelters.
The governor said the Blue Roof Project will kick off in a big way on Saturday, and promised to give more details during his Saturday briefing.
The University of the Virgin Islands suffered heavy damage to both of its campuses. Even so, the institution of higher learning said all of its facilities are expected to be cleaned, restored and ready for operations in two weeks – approximately Oct. 9. Some classes may resume even sooner, depending on the restoration of permanent power and internet communications. UVI will utilize some traditional classes, but also online courses. UVI will also utilize YouTube to upload lectures.
Department of Labor Commissioner Catherine Hendry announced that the Federal Disaster Unemployment Assistance (D.U.A.) has been extended to St. Thomas and St. John residents for Hurricane Irma. The D.U.A. applies to persons who have lost their jobs, live in St. Thomas and St. John, or have been displaced by Hurricane Irma. D.O.L.’s requirements for the D.U.A. requires that an individual does not qualify for regular unemployment benefits; individuals and small business owners who have lost incomes due to Hurricane Irma; individuals prevented from working due to an injury caused by the disaster; individuals who have become the sole supporter of the household due to a disaster-related death or injury of another family member; individuals who are unable to reach their places of employment because of the disaster.
D.O.L. offices in the St. Thomas-St. John are open on week days to process claims. These claims must be filed by Monday, October 30. D.O.L. is calling a meeting that all St. Croix employees are expected to attend on Monday, October 2 at the St. Croix Dept. of Labor at 11:00 a.m.
The V.I.P.D. will continue to enforcing the curfew, according to Mr. Richards. He said 6 persons — among them a store owner and security officer — were arrested on Thursday. The commissioner also noted a rise in domestic violence incidents.
Department of Health said it’s formulating a plan to return medical evacuees to the territory, as the recovery process continues to take shape.
Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) teams will be offering registration services from 12 noon to 5:00 p.m. at the Old Post Office in Christiansted on Saturday.
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- Update from Dave
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- By Gert van Dijken <gert at vandijken.com>
- Date: Fri, 29 Sep 2017 15:37:10 -0700
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Radar down both sites in Puerto Rico so I accessed NOAA Satellite image. This is what is around us. Lots of heavy rain like we need more after Maria. As I informed you previously flash flood watch is now an advisory and will be a warning soon. Coming up from SSE so its gonna be around a bit. Please take all necessary precautions. Tonight and tomorrow morning is gonna be ugly again rain and flooding wise. Be safe all.
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- Update from Dave - Electricity and Water
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- By Gert van Dijken <gert at vandijken.com>
- Date: Wed, 27 Sep 2017 07:00:53 -0700
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VIA VI Consortium
Here’s the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority’s latest power and potable restoration update post-Hurricanes Irma and Maria.
ELECTRIC SYSTEM
Emergency call centers on St. Thomas & St. Croix will go live on Wednesday. The centers will operate from 7 a.m. – 11 p.m., seven days a week. The call centers are the primary means by which customers can advise the Authority of isolated service interruptions once crews have begun restoration work in various neighborhoods and communities. To contact the Emergency Call Center on St. Croix, call 340-773-0150, and on St. Thomas – St. John the call center’s telephone number is 340-774-1424. The activation of the call centers was delayed due to telecommunications challenges.
WAPA announces limited hours of operation at the St. Croix Customer Services office at Sunny Isle. The office will be open each weekday day from 12 noon – 3:30 pm. These hours may be adjusted based on the curfew. Customer service hours on St. Thomas and St. John are suspended pending a relocation of offices. The Four Winds Plaza location on St. Thomas was heavily damaged by the hurricanes.
WAPA is finalizing the mobilization for 240 linemen from the United States to assist in the restoration efforts. The additional manpower and equipment will be arriving on island over the next few days.
WAPA is expected to take inventory and stage a major movement of supplies from the shipping port to our storage facilities and to some work areas this week. This shipment includes additional poles, cable and other equipment.
WAPA continues to work jointly with Viya, the Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority, and the Department of Public Works on a clean-up initiative across the territory.
Work continued on St. Croix Tuesday to re-energize customers in downtown Christiansted, and Frederiksted from the Midland substation to the Paul E. Joseph Stadium. In addition, the hangar and FAA control tower at Rohlsen airport has been energized. Crews also planted new poles for lines going into the Hannah’s Rest community. Clean up crews made significant progress on the roadways leading to both the Central High School campus and the John H. Woodson, Jr. High School.
On St. Thomas, the crews are working on the “A” Feeders: 6A, 7A, 8A and 9A. Work will also continue through the end of the week to restore electrical service to the Superior Court, VI Police Callwood Command and the Bureau of Corrections at the Farrelly Justice Center. Crews also energized Third, Eighth and Ninth Streets in Sugar Estate while clean-up crews were on Second Street. Feeder 6A was partially energized as was parts of Contant Towers. Additional buildings in the Harris Court housing community were also energized Tuesday, more should be fully restored this week.
POTABLE WATER SYSTEM We are building additional storage on all three islands slowly. St. John has four days of emergency storage, St. Thomas three days, and St. Croix three days.
The Concordia potable water pump station on St. Croix is on line. Overnight, the Kingshill tank should begin to build storage and the west end of the island should begin to receive potable water service.
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- Update from Dave
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- By Gert van Dijken <gert at vandijken.com>
- Date: Tue, 26 Sep 2017 07:46:55 -0700
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Good morning! Post office stuff:
The following is an official update from the Postal Service regarding operations in the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico for Tuesday, September 26.
USVI:
ST. JOHN
The Cruz Bay Post Office will be provide handout of mail service on Tuesday, September 26 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Packages and mail are being transported to St John for availability. There will be no retail service (stamps, money orders, shipping) available. This particular post office is located at 100 Vesper Gade.
ST. THOMAS
Additional quantities of packages and mail are being transported to St Thomas for Tuesday availability.
The Charlotte Amalie Post Office will provide mail and package pickup for customers whose addresses include the ZIP codes 00801, 00802, and 00803
Havensight Station has been providing mail for post office box addresses with ZIP Code 00802.
Customers are now directed to Havensight also for mail handout for customers in the ZIP Code 00804, served by the Emancipation Gardens office.
East End /Tutu Mall continues handout for addresses in ZIP Code 00805
ST.CROIX There is no service yet on St Croix.
PUERTO RICO
There will be no postal services in Puerto Rico on Tuesday.
However, on Tuesday, the Postal Service is asking postal employees to return to work to support the Postal Service’s recovery effort, deeming it an important start on the road to service.
On Tuesday in the San Juan processing plant:
All tour 2 employees report at the normal time on Tuesday.
All tour 3 employees report at 10 am.
All tour 1 employees by 6 am.
That is all employees of the plant, including managers and supervisors.
Outside of the processing plant, all postmasters, supervisors and managers are asked to report to work at their regular duty location and post office. Their help is needed to assess conditions and to assist in locating postal employees. No other employees should report to work, but all are asked to check-in by phone or in person at one of six area offices open for check-in purposes. “The welfare of our employees is essential for our recovery to service,” the Postal Service said.
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- Lots of useful info, received from Dave on STT.
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- By Gert van Dijken <gert at vandijken.com>
- Date: Mon, 25 Sep 2017 15:03:13 -0700
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- More from Dave
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- By Gert van Dijken <gert at vandijken.com>
- Date: Sat, 23 Sep 2017 19:56:38 -0700
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Wapa
NEWS RELEASE
www.viwapa.vi
September 22, 2017
HURRICANE RESTORATION UPDATE
ELECTRIC SYSTEM
· There is limited electricity being distributed on St. Thomas. Portions of five feeders are presently energized. WAPA is also providing electrical service to the Cyril E. King Airport and Schneider Regional Medical Center. Crews worked in the following areas on Friday: Lindbergh Bay, PG Gas / GERS, Estate Thomas and the Oswald Harris Court housing community .
· On St. Croix, the Rohlsen airport has been re-energized and we continue to provide service to the Gov Juan F. Luis Hospital. Crews were deployed Friday to begin the clean-up of fallen poles, transmission lines and other damaged electrtical equipment.
· Assessments will be made over the next few days to determine the extent of damage to WAPA distribution systems. Restoration plans for both districts will then be developed and made public once the damage assessment process is completed. The restoration plans cannot be developed until the conclusion of the assessment phase.
· While the damage assessment is being conducted, WAPA has mapped out a tentative schedule of preliminary reconstruction of the distribution system over the next few weeks.
o On St. Thomas, work will be focused on the “A” feeders which run from mid-town to the west end. Over the next few weeks, crews will work on the paths of Feeders 6 A to the west end, 7A to Estate Altona, 8A and 9A into Savan, all extending outwards from the Harley plant.
o On St. Croix, the focus will be on Feeders 1A which powers the downtown Christiansted area, and on the path of Feeder 8B which runs from the Midland Substation through Estates Whim and Carlton up to the Frederiksted Ballpark on the west end of the island.
· By the middle of next week, a shipment of additional inventory including about 1,300 poles will arrive on St. Thomas as the reconstruction work begins to take shape.
· WAPA is now working in concert with Viya, the V.I. Waste Management Authority and the Department of Public Works on a clean-up initiative. This strategy is aimed at clearing the roadways of fallen cables, poles and other hardware and allowing both utilities to scrap the damaged equipment while WMA will gain access to public dump sites for regular waste hauling. In many instances, public dumping sites have been blocked by downed power and telecommunications cable and hardware.
· Emergency call centers will be activated in both island districts on Monday. More information will be provided over the weekend on these call centers which will be the primary means by which residents can report service interruptions once restoration begins.
POTABLE WATER
· There are three days of emergency water storage on St. John. Potable water service is available throughout Cruz Bay.
· There are two days of emergency water storage on St. Thomas. Potable water service has been restored to all communities on the island’s east end. Service is also available to Estate Thomas, Bakkeroe and Government Hill. Service will be restored to Savan, Bergs Home, and Contant Knolls over the next few days.
· There are two days of emergency water storage on St. Croix. Plant electricians on Friday installed electrical service to the Seven Seas water production plants. Water distribution crews are commissioning newly installed generators at the Contentment Pump Station which will replenish water storage at the Kingshill tank and allow for water service to become available to communities toward the west end of the island.
# # #
HURRICANE MARIA SURVIVORS IN ST. JOHN AND ST. THOMAS MAY APPLY FOR FEMA DISASTER ASSISTANCE
News / Virgin Islands / September 23, 2017
ST. CROIX — Hurricane Maria survivors in St. John and St. Thomas (including Water Island) may now register for disaster assistance with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, FEMA announced today. Saturday’s amendment to the major disaster declaration for the U.S. Virgin Islands for Hurricane Maria makes FEMA Individual Assistance available to eligible individuals and families on those two islands, FEMA said.
As a result of today’s amendment, survivors on all U.S. Virgin Islands may now apply for FEMA assistance if they sustained uninsured or underinsured property damage because of Hurricane Maria.
Virgin Islanders in St. John and St. Thomas were already eligible to apply for assistance as a result of the September 7 disaster declaration for Hurricane Irma.
“We know many individuals and families in the Virgin Islands are struggling as a result of these powerful hurricanes and we want you to know that help is available,” said Federal Coordinating Officer William Vogel. “Registering is the first step to help get you on the path to a variety of recovery programs.”
Registration can be done online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, in Spanish at www.DisasterAssistance.gov/es, or by phone at 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585. Those who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services may call 800-621-3362.
The toll-free telephone numbers operate from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. (local time) seven days a week until further notice. Operators are standing by to assist survivors in English, Spanish and many other languages.
Due to power outages, FEMA will also be working with the territory to make options available for disaster survivors to register in person. More information will be forthcoming on that effort.
Federal disaster assistance helps eligible applicants with home repairs, uninsured personal property losses and medical, dental and funeral expenses caused by the disaster. It also helps cover other disaster-related expenses and other needs.
Survivors should contact their insurance company to file an insurance claim. FEMA is unable to duplicate insurance payments. However, those without insurance or who may be underinsured may still receive help after their insurance claims have been settled.
Survivors will be asked to provide:
Social Security number
Address of the damaged home or apartment
Description of the damage
Information about insurance coverage
A current contact telephone number
An address where they can get mail
Bank account and routing numbers if they want direct deposit of any financial assistance
Survivors who have already registered with FEMA and have questions or concerns may call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362
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- USVI Update
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- By Gert van Dijken <gert at vandijken.com>
- Date: Sat, 23 Sep 2017 19:10:10 -0700
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More from Dave....
VIA VI Consortium
BREAKING NEWS
ST. CROIX — At Governor Kenneth Mapp’s third press conference following Hurricane Maria to update the territory on his administration’s recovery and relief efforts, the following details were divulged.
Residents and visitors looking to leave the territory on a mercy cruise (a cruise line will arrive in the territory late next week with the capacity to carry about 2,000 passengers, according to Mr. Mapp), or a mercy flight, should call 340-772-0357, as the Dept. of Tourism is ready to start taking inventory.
The governor again temporarily lifted the 24-hour curfew on St. Croix on Sunday, which he said would allow those in the faith-based community to worship their god. He asked that religious persons pray for the recovery of the territory. The temporary curfew lift begins at 12 noon and ends at 4:00 p.m.
St. Thomas’s airport should reopen between Thursday and Friday next week for limited commercial flights. The governor will give an update on the status of the St. Croix airport — which remains closed — next week.
The Blue Roof Project started in earnest today, with the first roof being installed in Anna’s Retreat (Old Tutu), in St. Thomas.
8,245 people were furnished with meals ready to eat (MREs), as well as water, at the five St. Croix distribution centers today. According to Adjutant General of the V.I. National Guard, Deborah Howell, 1,576 persons were furnished at Alexander Henderson School, 2,533 at the Juanita Gardine School, 2,029 at the Eulalie Rivera School, 600 at the Cotton Valley Fire Station, and 2,097 at the St. Croix Educational Complex.
Dept. of Health is offering baby bed nets. Call 340-712-6245 to request one.
Dept. of Health, accompanied by V.I. National Guardsmen, will visit USVI patients currently in Puerto Rico, and link them with their loved ones in the territory.
V.I.P.D. Commissioner Delroy Richards said the curfew will continue to be enforced, and announced the following arrests for violation of the regulation: Shaun Miller, 37; Juvanni Roach, 30, and Kester Clersont, 26. Mr. Richards said a number of criminal incidents were reported today, and that the department would continue to respond to them. He said incidents in St. Thomas and St. John had subsided significantly, and acknowledged the help of additional law enforcement from the U.S. mainland, the presence of the V.I. National Guard, as well as soldiers from the U.S. who are here as part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) mission, for their support.
Working with FEMA, the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority was able to turn on potable water for residents living on the west side of the island.
FEMA warned against persons who may show up at the homes of residents affected by the storms claiming to be representatives of the federal agency. William Vogel, federal coordinating officer of FEMA Region II, said FEMA representatives wear an official FEMA badge, they never ask for money, and FEMA does not work with contractors so there’s no such thing as a FEMA-approved contractor. If you detect fraud, call the FEMA fraud hotline at 866-720-5721.
More meals and water are arriving in the territory, Mr. Vogel said, revealing today that a C17 aircraft with 200,000 meals and 150,000 liters of water, along with a civilian 767 Boeing aircraft loaded with tarps had arrived in the USVI. On its way here was another C17 aircraft carrying hygienic items, as well baby food and other baby items.
So far 5,455 people have registered for federal assistance for Hurricane Irma, and 901 for Hurricane Maria. You may signup here, or call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). Individuals who have a speech disability or hearing loss and use TTY, should call 1-800-462-7585 directly; for those who use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 1-800-621-3362.
Two vessels, one of them the Celebration cruise ship, will arrive in the territory in the coming days, with the Celebration serving as a home for FEMA first responders.
Dept. of Property and Procurement (DPP), currently seeking contractors for debris cleanup, signed contracts on Saturday night at Government House with a number of the local waste haulers, among them Bates Trucking and Just Right Trucking. DPP Commissioner Lloyd Bough Jr. said between 6 and 7 contracts with local contractors were signed tonight. Mr. Mapp reminded that the government can only sign contracts with licensed companies.
The BCB Middle School shelter in St. Thomas was permanently closed, and the shelter’s 7 remaining occupants were transferred to the Lockhart Elementary School shelter, which now has a total of 266 occupants, according to Dept. of Human Services Commissioner Felecia Blyden. The Knud Hansen facility, as of Saturday, housed 47 occupants. On St. Croix, the Educational Complex shelter as of today had 257 occupants, Herbert Grigg had 37, and 42 at the Canegata Ballpark center. D.H.S. said it’s working with shelter occupants to assess their needs to aid with the transition back to normalcy.
The Bureau of Information Technology, along with the Virgin Islands Next Generation Network, will erect WiFi hot spots in various locations on St. Croix, as the government entities did in the St. Thomas-St. John District during the early aftermath of Hurricane Irma.
As an aside, the governor began his press conference today by apologizing to marshals of the Superior Court of the Virgin Islands, who he had assailed for using their government authority and “flashing their blue lights” to take family and friends around during the curfew, while failing to perform any constructive work to help with the recovery. Mr. Mapp said he spoke with Supreme Court Chief Justice Rhys S. Hodge, who explained to the governor the role of the court during times of emergency.
Good evening!! Ill try to have more tomorrow. An exhaustive day
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- Update
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- By Gert van Dijken <gert at vandijken.com>
- Date: Sat, 23 Sep 2017 08:26:03 -0700
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Received from Dave on St.Thomas via Text, it looks like that it came from: http://viconsortium.com/featured/mapp-announces-12-noon-to-400-p-m-curfew-lift-for-saturday-start-of-limited-commercial-flights-at-st-thomas-airport/
Governor Kenneth Mapp on Friday held his second press conference following Hurricane Maria’s passage in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Below, find the latest updates from the administration’s recovery and relief efforts.
The governor has extended the suspension of the 24-hour curfew on St. Croix, giving residents from 12 noon to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday to conduct business. The governor said more time would not be allowed because first responders needed to clear the roads, and he did not want the government to be held liable for anyone injured as a result of debris.
Mr. Mapp also changed the curfew hours for the St. Thomas St. John District. Effective Saturday, the curfew hours in the aforementioned district is 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m. Previously, it was 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 a.m.
The USS Wright, through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) was scheduled to arrive at the West Indian Company (WICO) dock at 7:00 p.m. Friday night, carrying 1 million meals to be shared between the St. Thomas-St. John and St. Croix districts. A C17 aircraft was also scheduled to arrive with 50,000 meals and 36,000 litters of water.
The governor said his administration along with federal partners are hoping to reopen the St. Thomas airport for limited commercial flights in the middle of next week. The governor said the St. Croix airport needed some additional work before reopening, and added that he would provide more updates on Saturday.
One death related to Hurricane Maria was confirmed by the governor. The incident occurred in St. Thomas and involved a woman who Mr. Mapp said had drowned.
There’s a cruise ship coming to St. Croix at the end of next week to carry residents who want to leave the island. The vessel is part of the Mapp administration’s “mercy” trips, and comes at no cost to Hurricane Maria victims looking to leave the island. The governor said the arrival of the ship next weekend gives enough time for those who plan on leaving to have discussions with their families. He said the mercy mission will drop everyone off in Florida, at which point the victims will have to make their way.
WAPA will be getting help from outside firms that are coming into the territory to help with power restoration. The governor said while these firms will help WAPA move quickly to restore power, they are not part of the governor’s stated intention to move all the territory’s power lines underground, as such a project would take multiple years.
The governor accepted responsibility and apologized for delays that occurred at food distribution centers today. Mr. Mapp noted a situation at the Juanita Gardine School, which saw meals being delivered hours later than the stated time. There were reports of a similar situation occurring at the Alexander Henderson School, another distribution center. Mr. Mapp said someone would be fired for the mishap, as the problem arose because orders were not followed, he said. And the order, it appears, came from Adjutant General of the V.I. National Guard Deborah Howell, who also took responsibility for the failure and vowed to relieve the individual.
The distribution centers on St. Croix will be open tomorrow from 12 noon to 4:00 p.m., keeping in line with the curfew. Today, the governor announced the addition of a fifth distribution center. The list now includes Cotton Valley Fire Station, Alexander Henderson School, St. Croix Educational Complex, Juanita Gardine School, and the Eulalie Rivera School in Grove.
F.E.M.A.’s Blue Roof Project, which sees heavy duty tarpaulins being professionally installed on homes without roofs or homes with damage roofs, will commence soon, the governor said, with Anna’s Retreat being the first community where the tarps will be installed, Mr. Mapp said. He said more information about how to sign up would soon be made available.
The recovery and debris cleanup process, which is being paid for by the federal government, includes a lot of work, and the governor urged local contractors to seek contracts with the government be signing up with the Dept. of Property and Procurement.
Dept. of Tourism Commissioner Beverly Nicholson-Doty, along with the governor, will meet with business leaders in the private sector on St. Thomas on Wednesday, and later next week on St. Croix, to discuss the potential attractions and other areas of appeal in the territory as sights that tourists could visit. Mr. Mapp said the discussions were being had because there’s a possibility that cruise lines could start visiting the islands sooner than anticipated. He did stress “may”, though, and said the outcome would depend on the readiness of the territory and its people.
viNGN is working on internet hots spots for St. Croix
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson, and Governor Mapp recently spoke over the phone about adequate and appropriate housing for V.I. housing community residents displaced by both hurricanes Irma and Maria. The discussion was fruitful, the governor said, with Mr. Carson agreeing to address the thousands who are displaced. ” I expressed to the secretary my deep concern that we really have to address this issue, and it needs to be addressed really, really, rapidly,” the governor said.
Police Commissioner Delroy Richards fired two deputy chiefs in the St. Thomas-St. John District, who he said had not followed the plan he laid out in responding to the crisis of hurricanes Irma and Maria. He said two deputy chiefs in the St. Croix district would be fired as well. The governor endorsed Mr. Richards’s move, and said more firings would come in other government departments and agencies, for individuals who had simply failed to perform at a time when the government needed them the most.
Distribution centers will reopen on Saturday in St. Thomas (they were closed on Thursday and Friday).
The mobile hospital outside the Schneider Regional Medical Center in St. Thomas that was taken down because of Hurricane Maria, was reestablished, according to FEMA. Two more were requested and will soon arrive in the territory to service both St. Thomas and St. Croix.
Seniors residing at Flamboyant Gardens, Whim Gardens and the facility located at the back of Sunny Isle, do not have to visit distribution centers to receive meals ready to eat (MREs), as Fire Service personnel will be delivering the MREs and water to these seniors on Saturday.
Dept. of Health will have minimal operation next week out of its mobile van, as the Harwood Complex building was damaged by incessant rain.
On Friday, disaster survivor assistance teams canvassed the St. Croix community letting residents know that FEMA is here to provide assistance. According to William Vogel, federal coordinating officer of FEMA Region II, roughly 5,625 Virgin Islanders have registered for assistance, 5,100 of whom did so for Hurricane Irma, and the remainder for hurricane Maria.
Port facilities now open are West Gregory, East Gregory, Homeport Pier, Crawley and Tropical Shipping in St. Thomas, and Limetree Bay and Krause Lagoon in St. Croix. Port facilities in St. John remain closed.
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- WAPA Update
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- By Gert van Dijken <gert at vandijken.com>
- Date: Fri, 22 Sep 2017 06:55:54 -0700
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Received from Dave via text message (he lives on St.Thomas) Good morning. WAPA update
VIRGIN ISLANDS WATER AND POWER AUTHORITY STATUS UPDATE
WAPA’s power plants at Estate Richmond, St. Croix and Krum Bay, St. Thomas fared relatively well during the passage of Hurricane Maria on Tuesday and Wednesday. The plants provided uninterrupted electrical service prior, during and after the hurricane’s passage providing electricity to both hospitals.
The plants were on line Thursday providing electricity to both hospitals and to the Cyril E. King Airport and the Lockhart Elementary School emergency shelter on St. Thomas. At late afternoon, efforts were being made to energize the Henry E. Rohlsen airport on St. Croix. On St. Thomas, portions of several feeders are also energized.
Over the next few days, WAPA will be assessing the damage to the electrical transmission and distribution systems in both districts as well as on Hassel Island and Water Island.
While the territory-wide assessment is being completed, we will begin the process of planting new poles in critical areas to begin restoring service once a plan for restoration has been completed. The restoration plans cannot be developed until the damage assessment procedure is completed.
On St. Croix, WAPA water distribution crews are working to resolve an issue with water availability. WAPA personnel is now installing a standby generator to energize the Contentment pump station. Once functional, potable water will be pumped St. Croix’s west end and allow the Kingshill tank to gain storage. The tank has been emptied by an apparent leak which developed during the hurricane. Electrical service has also been restored at the Richmond pump station which will allow for the continued building of storage. Currently, there are 7.5 million gallons of water on St. Croix which is a three-day water supply.
St. John has three days of emergency water storage. St. Thomas has two days of water storage. Customers in higher elevations will experience low pressure or no service at all until all pump stations have been restored with electricity.
The Seven Seas water production facility is fully operational on St. Thomas. Electrical service has also been restored to the Donoe pump station and storage is being replenished there as well as at the storage tanks on Sara Hill.
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- US Virgin Relief Fund
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- By Gert van Dijken <gert at vandijken.com>
- Date: Thu, 21 Sep 2017 18:02:01 -0700
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US Virgin Relief Fund Forwarded by Dave, no power, so flashlight used....
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- Federal Distaster Relief Assistance
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- By Gert van Dijken <gert at vandijken.com>
- Date: Thu, 21 Sep 2017 17:56:33 -0700
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Forwarded by Dave, no power still, so shown by flashlight. This is for both Irma and Maria.
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- Had to evacuate
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- By "John Fuller" <fullervi at gmail.com>
- Date: Thu, 21 Sep 2017 08:01:22 -0400
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The two posts below from me were obviously delayed, as that was true the day after Irma hit us, and about a 12 hours before the generator died for good. We did manage to survive until Sunday (9/17) when we were forced, by reason, to evacuate to Puerto Rico. We were very fortunate to get a flight to DC where we can stay with family in Virginia, Trying to figure out how to put our life back together, and are praying that we have something to return to. Bless all who contribute and to Gert who keeps the best storm site ever. John |
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- Sta John is devastated
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- By "John Fuller" <fullervi at gmail.com>
- Date: Tue, 19 Sep 2017 07:54:33 -0400
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We have had major damage to the house. All the door on three levels have blown off. Everything is wet or destroyed. Never seen such winds, We are all fine but the cleanup will be awful. Will post photos when we get a chance. St John is in bad shape. Generator is still going (thank God) We move on. John |
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- St John is devastated
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- By "John Fuller" <fullervi at gmail.com>
- Date: Tue, 19 Sep 2017 07:54:33 -0400
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We are fine but major damage to house and belongings. Cleanup will be horrible. John |
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- Update
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- By Gert van Dijken <gert at vandijken.com>
- Date: Sat, 16 Sep 2017 18:51:12 -0700
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Received from Dave via text:
Latest from here
VIA VI Consortium
Breaking News: Maria is expected to hit St. Croix directly, or pass between St.
Thomas and St. Croix on Tuesday packing between 100-120 mile-per-hour winds;
public schools closed Monday; Curfew hours on Sunday and Monday now 6:00 p.m.
to 8:00 a.m. in the STT-STJ District, so residents can make last-minute
preparations; distribution centers to quadruple food items to residents ahead
of storm; Mapp urges STT-STJ residents to head to shelters. “Listen,
concentrate on your family and the protection of yourselves," the governor said.
Sent from my iPhone
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- post hurricane irma
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- By Pam Taylor <ptaylorvi at outlook.com>
- Date: Sat, 16 Sep 2017 19:43:06 +0000
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Hi there it's Pam from St John. We are finally digging out after the massive destruction and devastation of hurricane Arma. We are receiving supplies through FEMA of water, MREs and canned goods and limited toiletries. The word is that the customs office in
St Thomas is closed therefore massive amounts of generators much needed to make life bearable Huron St John are not getting through. My house has four walls and a roof much more than most of my fellow st johnians. I am thankful that I have what I have left.
Everything is damaged and destroyed on Saint John and is going to be a long long time before St John is ready to accept visitors and tourism. The future is bleak for at least a few more months if not more. All communication lines and electrical lines are Tangled
amongst the massive amount of shattered trees and homes that were destroyed. I feel lucky that I have my life. Only a few locations on St John that have cell service so I will try to update you as the time goes on. It is definitely not a pretty picture and
not vacationland in fact it's more like Neverland. I wake up every morning and hope that I am just having a bad dream but the reality is the nightmare that we are all living here. Bring generators. At least generators could bring some normalcy two are damaged
and destroyed lives. Hopefully the next two storms will pass Us by without much more destruction and heartbreak. Stay safe. Will report again when I get to a signal.
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- Update from John Fuller
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- By Gert van Dijken <gert at vandijken.com>
- Date: Fri, 15 Sep 2017 10:41:22 -0700
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Relayed to me through his daughter who received the update by text message from John Fuller on St.John:
St John was hit with at least a 10 off the SS scale. In the aftermath we got Seabees from Virginia, search and rescue, our own resources and we are recovering. Limited ferries to St. Thomas now, no AT&T but I can roam texts with Sprint. Reports of crime are exaggerated. PD, Navy and Marines keeping order which is fairly easy here. We are all together. Evacuated about 700 people to PR. STT not likely to open anytime soon. FEMA is here and taking charge. Mike Bloomberg came yesterday and is devoting lots of people and resources to St John. Seeing the devastation is painful but watching our people together is gratifying. Lee and I are alive, we have roof and walls, we will try to stay for awhile. John
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- Fwd: Funds for St. John - resource
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- By Gert van Dijken <gert at vandijken.com>
- Date: Sat, 9 Sep 2017 20:40:17 -0700
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---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Claire O. Date: Sat, Sep 9, 2017 at 7:56 PM Subject: Re: Funds for St. John - resource
Good Evening Gert,
For those folks who would like to help St. John in particular:
The Community Foundation of St John's relief effort activity may be followed on their Facebook page:
More importantly, there is an opportunity to donate to the organization directly through their website:
Perhaps this could be posted on the St John page specifically?
Thank you for all that you do! Edit as needed.
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- Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands
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- By Gert van Dijken <gert at vandijken.com>
- Date: Fri, 8 Sep 2017 11:52:08 -0700
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Received from Claire Ochoa, former St.Thomas resident: The Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands has set up a fund to help Virgin Islanders recover from Hurricane Irma, according to a statement from Delegate to Congress Stacey Plaskett. “The Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands has started the FUND FOR THE VIRGIN ISLANDS. The purpose of this fund is to provide monies for critical needs in the Virgin Islands,” Plaskett said. The CFVI is a fiduciary for a number of smaller charities and holds 501c3 tax status, so donations to it are tax deductible. It has been a fixture in the territory for more than 25 years.
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- Fwd: Best way to help St John - money and continued press awareness
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- By Gert van Dijken <gert at vandijken.com>
- Date: Fri, 8 Sep 2017 11:42:22 -0700
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---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Frank Addison Date: Fri, Sep 8, 2017 at 7:39 AM Subject: Best way to help St John - money and continued press awareness
Please have all your subscribers send a constant barrage to the press about the dire situation and the need for massive rebuilding support. The USVI as you know are unable to pay for these efforts and are massively in debt so they can't issue bonds. They will be without power for months, have no sources of fresh water other than rain and need ongoing food water and medical assistance.
Sunny Regards,
Frank Addison |
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- Fwd: #EXTRA: Public Health Emergency declared in Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands
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- By Gert van Dijken <gert at vandijken.com>
- Date: Wed, 6 Sep 2017 16:02:55 -0700
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#EXTRA: Public health emergency declared in Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands
A public health emergency has been declared in Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands by Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price due to Hurricane Irma.
HHS has also sent a Disaster Medical Assistance Team (DMAT) to Puerto Rico. This includes health care providers and support staff who are non-government but are called to federal service in cases
of disasters. They are able to aid local officials and assist with urgently needed medical care.
This designation follows an emergency declaration by President Trump for the same islands.
Price made the same declaration in Texas and Louisiana last week following Hurricane Harvey’s landfall.
Full statement from HHS:
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, September 6, 2017
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HHS Secretary Price declares public health emergency in Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands due to Hurricane Irma
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Following the lead of President Trump’s emergency declarations for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price, M.D., today declared a public health emergency in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands as Hurricane
Irma continues its track in the Caribbean. In addition, he has taken action that gives HHS’ Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) beneficiaries and their healthcare providers and suppliers greater flexibility in meeting emergency health needs.
“As Hurricane Irma bears down on Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, HHS stands ready to help our fellow Americans and do all we can to ensure they have access to the healthcare services and support they need,” said HHS Secretary Tom Price, M.D. “Assets
are being mobilized to address both immediate healthcare needs and prepare for long-term challenges. We are doing everything in our power to maintain access to care for those with Medicare and Medicaid by supporting the ability of hospitals and other healthcare
facilities that participate in those programs to provide timely care to as many people impacted by the storm as possible.”
In addition to increasing the flexibility in providing services to, and assistance for, CMS beneficiaries, HHS has deployed approximately 70 personnel to affected areas to help state and local authorities plan and respond to communities’ medical needs, and
additional staff is on standby to assist.
Today’s declaration of public health emergencies for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands follows similar emergency declarations for Texas and Louisiana that Secretary Price signed to help residents affected by Hurricane Harvey. Secretary Price acted
under his authority in the Public Health Service Act and Social Security Act.
These actions and flexibilities are effective retroactively to September 5, 2017.
Public health and safety information for Hurricane Irma can be found at
https://www.phe.gov/emergency/events/irma2017/Pages/default.aspx
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If you would rather not receive future communications from U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), let us know by clicking
here.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), 200 Independence Avenue, SW 6th Floor Room 647-D, Washington, DC 20201 United States
-- Gert van Dijken Caribbean Hurricane Network http://stormcarib.com |
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- Wind - wow!
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- By "John Fuller" <fullervi at gmail.com>
- Date: Wed, 6 Sep 2017 11:55:04 -0400
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Lots of wind, trees down but not on the house yet. Clearly the worst winds we have ever had. Eyewall soon come. John |
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- Irma update.
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- By Neil Neal <ndn23 at verizon.net>
- Date: Wed, 6 Sep 2017 11:29:47 -0400
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It's 11:30a and Irma is being a bad girl. Heavy rains, wind gusts estimated to
be at least 125mph.
Lots of trees and branches down. Wind still coming from the North. House is
holding up well.
NDN.
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- Here's Irma.
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- By Neil Neal <ndn23 at verizon.net>
- Date: Wed, 6 Sep 2017 10:07:34 -0400
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Here we are on the West of St. John. Winds just increased and gusts to approx
50+ mph.
Power is gone. Generators humming all around me. Trees are beginning to get
their leaves shredded, two trees down beside the house. The few boats left in
Great Cruz Bay are hanging in there so far.
NDN
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- Irma's getting windy!!
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- By Pam Taylor <ptponcepr at hotmail.com>
- Date: Wed, 6 Sep 2017 12:57:01 +0000
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Just a few quick shots as the wind is increasing here on Bordeaux!! Not sure if this quick video will go through, but you don't get the same effect in a stationary clip!!
Stay Safe! AT&T still up and running.
Coffee time!
Pam on Bordeaux
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- St. John Update
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- By Dwayne Neal <ndn23 at verizon.net>
- Date: Wed, 6 Sep 2017 07:57:19 -0400
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We are starting to get bands of wind and rain here on the West side of St.
John. Light rain with gusts of approx. 30 mph, followed by periods of almost no
wind.
We expect power to go out any moment as the lights are flickering off and on.
NDN
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- Irma's knocking
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- By Pam Taylor <ptponcepr at hotmail.com>
- Date: Wed, 6 Sep 2017 11:42:33 +0000
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Good Morning again! Winds have picked up pretty good this morning. Lots of leaves around and the palm fronds from the tire palms have been blown off. Thank God for the house and tall fence next door which is blocking a lot of the wind from our property.
If it gets too bad the fence will probably become flying projectiles as it is about 20+ years old and a bit worst for worn!! The dogs don't want to go out anymore....and we just lost power. So am working from tethering on my phone. We'll see how long that
lasts. 😒 With every window and door shut and taped and no fans it will make for a hot day. Fortunately we can still stand on the porch for now to get a breeze as our generator crapped out about two weeks ago and being off-island we didn't get a chance
to replace it before the storm....back to the old days. Candles, flashlights, and don't open the fridge unless you have to. Hopefully this will pass and we will have power back. Doesn't seem at all bad right now....but wait! Will keep you all update until
the AT&T tower goes away!
Love to all my family....and friends....
Stay safe!
Pam from Bordeaux
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- Irma's knocking
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- By Pam Taylor <ptponcepr at hotmail.com>
- Date: Wed, 6 Sep 2017 11:40:28 +0000
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Good Morning again! Winds have picked up pretty good this morning. Lots of leaves around and the palm fronds from the tire palms have been blown off. Thank God for the house and tall fence next door which is blocking a lot of the wind from our property.
If it gets too bad the fence will probably become flying projectiles as it is about 20+ years old and a bit worst for worn!! The dogs don't want to go out anymore....and we just lost power. So am working from tethering on my phone. We'll see how long that
lasts. 😒 With every window and door shut and taped and no fans it will make for a hot day. Fortunately we can still stand on the porch for now to get a breeze as our generator crapped out about two weeks ago and being off-island we didn't get a chance
to replace it before the storm....back to the old days. Candles, flashlights, and don't open the fridge unless you have to. Hopefully this will pass and we will have power back. Doesn't seem at all bad right now....but wait! Will keep you all update until
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- Waiting for Irma
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- By "John Fuller" <fullervi at gmail.com>
- Date: Wed, 6 Sep 2017 07:36:49 -0400
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Good morning, Things are nice this morning, an occasional gust but nothing to write home about. The rain is on the way (watching the radar) and I expect winds as well. The power just went off and the repair crews will not be out to do anything until after the storm passes. Let’s hope the generator fuel lasts that long. Real nice to have a generator this time. Curfew in effect in the USVI from 6am today until 6pm Thursday. As long as the internet stays up I’ll update as things change. John |
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- Here comes Irma!
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- By Pam Taylor <ptponcepr at hotmail.com>
- Date: Wed, 6 Sep 2017 06:18:22 +0000
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Good Morning! My first report from atop Bordeaux Mountain, St. John!! Had to cut my trip to Vermont for my youngest grandson's birthday short to come back for this!! Arrgghhh!! Up for my nightly doggie adventure. The winds are starting to pick up and
clouds are passing by quickly. The moon that was lighting up the sky a few minutes ago is gone now, covered by clouds. The tire palms are swaying wildly in the breeze and the wind is beginning to howl a bit. I guess she's getting closer!! The dogs are sniffing
the air and tail between the legs back to the house. We're all tucked in here, waiting...waiting. Hopefully Irma won't be as hard on St. John as Marilyn in 1995!! We'll see. Will write more in the morning when the sun comes up.....if it does
😳. Stay safe everyone!!
Pam on Bordeaux
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- Coming over us
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- By "John Fuller" <fullervi at gmail.com>
- Date: Tue, 5 Sep 2017 19:52:11 -0400
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Okay. The latest CPA shows me that Irma will follow our first hurricane on site, Bertha in 1996. It appears to be passing directly over us. I am not sure which is better – to miss us slightly or go directly over. Hoping for the best as we are sheltering others this time. John |
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- St. John Preparing for Irma
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- By Dwayne Neal <ndn23 at verizon.net>
- Date: Tue, 5 Sep 2017 15:06:16 -0400
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It is currently 3:00pm here on St. John. The winds are light and breezy from
the east at about 12 mph. The clouds have thickened a bit in the last 2 hours
but still broken sunshine. The temp is 86 degrees and the humidity is 90%. It
feels very sticky outside
I was just in Cruz Bay about an hour ago. Everyone is hauling out small boats
from the water and lines in the grocery markets are long and busy. There are a
lot of cars out telling me many put off preparing until today.
According a local blog there are still approx. 1000 tourists in the USVI.
Probably less than 100 here on St. John.
In a thought, this is the calm before the storm.
NDN
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- We are shutting down for Irma
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- By "John Fuller" <fullervi at gmail.com>
- Date: Tue, 5 Sep 2017 14:10:01 -0400
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Good afternoon, St John will be on its own (again) starting tonight. The Captain of the port has issued the following: · The last ferry from Cruz Bay, St. John to Red Hook, St. Thomas departs at 6 pm today. · The last ferry from Red Hook to St. John departs at 7 pm. There will be no ferry service between St. Thomas and St. John until further notice We have buttoned up as well as we can, but this is the strongest storm to hit St John in NHC history. Pray for all in her path. John |
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- Monitoring St. John
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- By Douglas <crabbyswatersports at earthlink.net>
- Date: Tue, 5 Sep 2017 10:40:03 -0400
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Storm Carib-ers - First, thank you. Lo Cal Val for reporting in from Cruz Bay.
I am glad you are there to keep us posted from that side of the island.
I am not on island, but am in direct contact with people on the Coral Bay side.
(If they have communications capability after the storm, we will post as soon
as we hear any reports). Everyone is taking this very, very seriously.
Prepping and praying. Anything that can be taken down, or in, is being
secured. One of our neighbors just called and doing last minute prep, he is a
good friend that lives on upper Carolina in Coral Bay and I will forward any
useful information he calls into me. -Doug
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- stj
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- By Val Donaghue <lowcalval at earthlink.net>
- Date: Mon, 4 Sep 2017 18:59:10 -0400 (GMT-04:00)
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Hi all,
Long time no see... beautiful day on the beach this afternoon. Finally got to
get
there after the high season. All is calm right now here in Cruz Bay. Most
storm prep completed. The hardware stores were gracious enough to open for
short periods of time today to help us prepare. Too close for comfort. Will be
at the animal shelter early tomorrow where I work to continue to get everyone
ready for the storm. Wish we could foster out a few more dogs temporarily. Not
sure what the next few days will bring. We live in a small carribean cottege
built in the late 50's so hopefully that means good tidings. Peaceful tonight.
tree frogs singing, cats lounging, me drinking a greenie !
Cheers
lowcalval
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- Sunken sailboat
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- By Doug Benton <crabbyswatersports at earthlink.net>
- Date: Tue, 8 Aug 2017 17:41:30 -0400
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A popular local artist lost his boat in last nights storm. Tough to see but this was taken from Aqua Bistro, you can see two masts above waterline about 75 feet in front of the black boat and dinghy. How sad. 
Sent from my iPhone
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- Coral Bay last night and this AM
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- By Douglas <crabbyswatersports at earthlink.net>
- Date: Tue, 8 Aug 2017 15:23:25 -0400
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Quite a rain filled night,I had just taken my rain gauge in yesterday AM to
clean off all the mold and mildew and of course i missed one of the biggest
rain events of the year,my neighbor said he had about 8 inches so we probably
where in that range here in Coral Bay. The lightning and thunder were
ferocious. Telephone pole down in Hansen bay after vi’s before campground,in
front of Jay’s house. WAPA on the scene about noon today. Went out last night
around 10PM to check on drains on Majestic mile,all cool and working great on
upper half. Sun has been out for a couple hours or more,was raining lightly all
morning.Muddy looking Coral Bay if i see something interesting this afternoon i
will post it when i get back in a little while.-exCrabby
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