Disaster Management in the Nevis Island Administration
Disaster management officials on Nevis confirmed that the island experienced no major damage from the passage of Tropical Storm Philippe on Tuesday, October 3. Premier of Nevis, the Honourable Mark Brantley, shared a report from Brian Dyer, Director of the Nevis Disaster Management Department (NDMD), which outlined how various sectors and civil society were affected by the storm.
Weather Conditions and Initial Impact
The Vance W. Amory International Airport’s meteorological services recorded wind gusts reaching 35 knots at 6:00 a.m., accompanied by approximately 10 millimeters of rainfall. Despite these conditions, the overall impact across the island remained limited.
Sector-by-Sector Assessment
The NDMD report detailed the effects on key sectors:
- Health Sector: No damages were reported.
- Social Sector: Two homes experienced issues with missing asphalt shingles.
- Faith-Based Organizations: No damage was reported.
- Education and Workplaces: Schools closed and government and private sector employees ended work early as a precaution. No flooding occurred.
- Electricity: The Nevis Electricity Company (NEVLEC) addressed minor issues in Bath Village and Cotton Ground.
- Agriculture: Minor damage was reported to crops such as bananas, papaya, and corn, as well as to shade houses. One small fishing vessel was destroyed.
Transportation and Infrastructure
Tropical Storm Philippe disrupted transportation and infrastructure:
- Ferry Service and Airport Operations: Temporary interruptions caused revenue losses for passenger bus and taxi operators.
- Port and Airport Facilities: Damage included the canopy at Charlestown Port Facility, a warehouse door at Long Point Port, and the picket fence (#ad) at the Vance W. Amory Airport.
- Coastal Areas: Beach erosion was evident along the southwest to northeast coastline, with assessments ongoing.
Ongoing Evaluations and Safety Measures
Damage assessments in the tourism sector are continuing. The National Emergency Operation Centre (NEOC) issued an official all-clear for St. Kitts and Nevis at 6:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 4. Premier Brantley expressed gratitude for the island being spared the worst of the storm, emphasizing the importance of remaining vigilant throughout the 2023 Atlantic Hurricane Season, which ends on November 30.
“But by the Grace of God we were spared the brunt of Tropical Storm Philippe and for that we must all be extremely thankful,” Premier Brantley stated. He urged residents to stay prepared for any potential storms that may arise during the remainder of the hurricane season.