by Linda Straker
- Without movement control of people in immediate aftermath of hurricane, actually sets back recovery efforts
- Approximately 3,000 people at shelters
- Citizens to remain in their bathroom if their homes are damaged or destroyed and there are no other options for safety
Thousands of Grenadians have chosen to stay at emergency shelters for the passage of Hurricane Beryl, the first major dangerous storm of the 2024 Hurricane Atlantic Season.
According to the latest World Bank data, there are more than 100 shelters scattered throughout the island, which has a population of approximately 125,000. “We have approximately 3,000 persons at shelters, which is a mammoth undertaking,” said Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell, promising that the State will do everything to keep them safe and secure.
In a news conference on Monday morning, the Prime Minister told citizens that the hurricane is upon Grenada based on its 8 am location which was 12.0°N 60.5°W. Grenada is located 12.1°W 61.7°W.
“With God’s blessing, we hope the damage will be minimal,” he said. “It is absolutely critical that we remain indoors, that we hunker down, that we find the safest places within our homes, within the shelters, within wherever you are to try and remain safe,” he said, calling on citizens to remain in their bathroom if their homes are damaged or destroyed and there are no other options for safety during the hurricane.
“If everything else fails and your bathroom is still standing, we ask you to stay there until you are given the all-clear. Because we expect significant rainfall from the hurricane passing over us, it is important that we minimise going outside,” he said as he reminded citizens that wind strength will be more than 115 miles per hour because Hurricane Beryl is wobbling between a category 3 and 4 hurricane.
Terrence Walters, Head of the National Disaster Management Agency (NaDMA), said that following the hurricane’s passing, people should not venture outside. “Please remain inside until the all-clear is given… this is a dangerous category four hurricane that can have significant impact,” he said.
The government declared a state of emergency with a curfew from 7 pm to 7 am. The Prime Minister explained that restricting people’s movement is important because it will contribute to a quick recovery.
“One of the key things we have learnt from the destruction of Hurricane Ivan is that in many instances, if we do not control the movement of people in the immediate aftermath of the hurricane, that it actually sets back our recovery efforts,” he said.
“We do not want people attempting to clear cables or any lines from utility companies be it telephone or electricity, particularly for electricity it is like to be very dangerous and in the case of telecommunications. As one of the telecommunications providers indicated the cables may be on the ground, but it’s unlikely that the cable will be broken, so even if it’s on the ground, it is possible that there can still be communications and that will make it easier for them to restore communications systems if people do not go outside and attempt to cut the cables themselves,” he said while pointing out that in the immediate aftermath, we need to do a quick assessment of the damage.
Hi, I’m a teacher in NY with family ties to both Grenada and Carriacou. My school community is looking into how we can support. Who can we talk to about how we can send supplies through? If possible forwarding any info would be appreciated.
Sending prayers from florida, we know that your leaders and First Responders will take good care. Please listen to what they say don’t go outside until they say.
May God protect the people of Grenada, Carriacou and Petit Martinique at the challenging time.
I was watching the hurricane hit Carriacou and it was scary. I saw a coconut tree fall.