PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):--- Prime Minister Silveria Jacobs who is also chairlady of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC), gave her second update for Monday, October 23rd.
A number of Emergency Support Functions (ESFs) have provided updates at midday with respect to post-Hurricane Tammy effects that are still impacting the country of Sint Maarten.
ESF-3 the Ministry of VROMI reports that water levels have started to subside. Teams are currently working to clear any debris such as rock falls that fell onto the road network. Motorists should continue to exercise caution while driving on the public road network.
A road clearance crew will go to the Mullet Bay area to pump the remaining water that is in that area which obstructs a section of road making it impassable during heavy rainfall. At the moment the road is open as water levels have already subsided.
A team will also go to the Beacon Hill area to pump the water in a section of the residential area.
Regarding the status of the education sector, assessments are being made and a decision will be made later this evening with respect to the status of school on Tuesday.
ESF-5 the Police, urges motorists to continue to exercise caution as they transverse the road network.
ESF-10 which concerns the Port and Airport; airport operations are back to normal. Operations at the port are still pending as the current sea state does not allow cargo vessels to dock at the cargo quay to offload cargo and containers.
The situation will be assessed later this afternoon with the hope that sea state conditions will gradually subside.
According to the Meteorological Department of Sint Maarten 12:00 PM midday weather report for Monday, October 23, Sint Maarten remains under a Flood Watch. The Small Craft Advisory has been discontinued.
This afternoon through tonight: Cloudy to overcast and breezy with periods of rain and isolated thunderstorms.
Tuesday morning, through midday: Partly cloudy to cloudy with isolated showers.
Gradual improvement in sea conditions is noted with waves peaking at six feet. Seacraft operators and sea bathers should exercise caution.
The EOC ESFs will continue to carry out assessments throughout this afternoon and these will be communicated in a timely manner.
Continued vigilance and action are necessary for this afternoon. Avoid flood-prone areas, and drive with caution.
Additional updates will be provided by the EOC via the customary official government public information channels.
For official weather-related information, check out the website of MDS: www.meteosxm.com or visit their social media page Facebook.com/sxmweather/
The Sint Maarten community is urged to learn more about hurricane hazards and resources you need on how to prepare your family, home, or business for a storm/hurricane strike by visiting the Government website: www.sintmaartengov.org/hurricane where you will be able to download your “Hurricane Season Readiness Guide’ and “Hurricane Tracking Chart.” The information here is also valuable for new residents.
Listen to the Government Radio station SXMGOV – 107.9FM - for official information and news before, during and after a hurricane. You can also follow weather related news and information as well as national addresses by the Prime Minister, chairlady of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) by going to @SXMGOV Facebook Page.
Prime Minister on the flash flood warning.
