On Wednesday Saint Lucia was faced with another devastating weather system which triggered havoc over flood-prone and agricultural areas of the country. According to the National Emergency Management Organisation (NEMO) there were reports of debris on the roadway to the Castries waterfront. Also, a collapsed retaining wall near the Choiseul Police station blocked road passage and drainage, resulting in the station being flooded.
Due to intense rainfall during Tropical Storm Matthew there was significant flooding in areas of Union Bridge, Aux Lyon, Bexon, Dennery, Laborie, Micoud, Vieux Fort and the Tamazo Bridge. Anse-La-Raye, La Caye, Upper Tamazo and Aux Lyon reported landslides. The initial report from NEMO also indicates over 130 citizens sought protection in six designated hurricane relief shelters across the island.
Prime Minister Allen Chastanet highlighted the agricultural sector as being most affected by the storm. In his public statement he estimated that 85% of the sector had been damaged. The Prime Minister, who returned to the island after the storm, commended Hon. Lenard Montoute for his quick response while serving as Acting Prime Minister.
