Acting director of the Department of Emergency Management (DEM), Kerry Hinds, is urging Barbadians to heed the early warning of inclement weather and ensure that they put all necessary safety measures in place.
On Wednesday, the Barbados Meteorological Service (BMS) told residents and visitors to brace for heavy rainfall over the next 24 hours and issued a flood watch and a small craft advisory for the island.
“Over the last few days, we would have seen some significant rainfall, some of which has resulted in flooding in some districts. And, with the impending weather, there is every possibility that there will be additional flooding in the same districts and new ones as well,” Hinds cautioned.
She told those living in flood prone areas to have their “go bags” ready in the event that they have to leave their homes for safety, and cautioned drivers against attempting to drive through rapidly rising flood waters, for their own safety.
“Remember, we are now in the most active part of the hurricane season and we must stay alert and have our disaster plans in place,” she stressed.
The acting director added that all stakeholders, including her department, the District Emergency Organisations, and other emergency response agencies, were also on the alert and stood ready to assist anyone who may require assistance.
Hinds reminded persons who found themselves in difficulties to contact the emergency services, or the DEM at 438-7575, to report damage to their homes. (BGIS)
