Fearful residents of Murphy’s Pasture, Chapman Lane, The City, one of the hardest hit during Tropical Storm Kirk last September, let out huge sighs of relief today following the passage of Tropical Storm Dorian.
Those in the flood-prone district, some of whom had their homes severely damaged last year, feared the worst but a quickly dug hole in the area on Sunday headed off a possible repeat.
“Beast”, a resident since 1998 but who has lived in Barbados for 40 years, said even though he did not believe the storm would hit Barbados, had not for the freshly dug-out area, the rain that fell would have flooded homes and blocked access.
“We people down here would be in bare trouble because that couldn’t hold all the water [from a direct hit],” he said.
“I done know he (Dorian) ain’t coming here. Last night my son [was] filling water. I tell he ‘them to put in the fridge’ ’cause no storm ain’t passing here. I got 40 years in Barbados and we always prepare . . . and they does pass we straight,” he told the DAILY NATION.
He reasoned that those who never experienced a hurricane wanted one to hit the island, but “it would be trouble in Barbados. All this morning people be crying. So I thank God”.
Marlene Greene, who has lived in the area for 72 years, said she usually left home by the time it flooded, but thanks to the clearing of the area, the conditions changed. She thanked Prime Minister Mia Mottley for that.
Linda Carrington said at first it was a bit scary but she was glad to “get past the border”.
She was on the verandah surveying the area and was pleased it had been spared flooding. (AC)
