Ministry of VROMI Kicks into Action after Sint Maarten Day Torrential Rainfall
- Published in Soualiga News
- font size decrease font size increase font size
Many roads were awash in sand, gravel and rocks.
SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The Ministry of VROMI, after carrying out assessments of the public road network system throughout the country on Monday, November 11, 2024, said that water levels have subsided in most areas.
The country experienced a moist and unstable atmosphere which brought cloudy skies, sporadic showers, and some thunder and lightning.
Early Monday morning, the Ministry of VROMI took a number of measures in order to deal with the torrential rainfall. The opening of the flood gates on A.T. Illidge Road, diverting water from the Fresh Pond to the Salt Pond, brought water levels down allowing for motor vehicles to pass safely through the surrounding areas.
Be aware of large amounts of sediments (dirt, sand and gravel) and debris on the roads.
Residents of Dutch Cul de Sac, especially those in St. Peters and those along the Ebenezer main trench, are asked to exercise caution along hillsides areas due to the potential risks for landslides.
Heavy rains have caused the collapse of a retaining wall on the approach to Mount William Hill (heading to Dutch Quarter from Madame Estate). Motorists are advised to avoid A.T, Illidge Road from Madame Estate (Aleeze Building) to the entrance of Middle Region while the Ministry of VROMI undertakes immediate clean-up works. Use an alternative route through Sucker Garden (Bishop Hill Road).
In the Dutch Quarter area and Belvedere, motorists are asked to exercise caution due to sediment on the road surface and fallen trees.
Motorists are advised of large rocks on the road on Link 2 (behind the Hospital, AJC Brouwer Road (Cole Bay Hill), and sediment on Union Road (Cole Bay).
In the area of Simpson Bay and Cupecoy, motorists are asked to be alert as water levels remain significantly high in these areas.
Smaller roads remain impassable, and motorists are urged to contact emergency services for assistance as is needed.
There are a large number of stalled vehicles on the road network, and a few have fallen into trenches.
The Minister of VROMI would like to wish all a Happy Saint Martin’s Day, and advises all motorists to exercise caution, and to be patient with first responders as they work to ensure your safety and clean up as quickly as possible.
A retaing wall that came down.