Life is returning to normal in Anguilla after Hurricane Gonzalo crisscrossed the island on Monday, October 13, with pounding gusts well above hurricane force (74 miles per hour) and torrents of rain. Before and after the more than one-hour long lull, the intense hurricane knocked down utility poles and lines, TV and other telecommunication cables, destroyed vegetation, flooded several low-lying areas, blocked roads, and caused widespread leakage in homes, offices and business places as well as some roof damage.
Most of the damage was said to have occurred in the eastern and western areas of the island which, up to Thursday, was still to be remedied. In some parts of the island uprooted utility poles and others, broken like matchsticks, and a mass of lines with attached transformers in some cases, fell across main roads. The George Hill main road, formally named the Edwin Wallace Rey Drive, was blocked by a high-tension pole with about three transformers. Workmen from ANGLEC worked for hours to remove the tangled heap while impatient motorists formed a long traffic jam or found a way around the back of the nearby bakery.
Other ANGLEC crews, in the meantime, were spread out in other areas in their bid to take control of downed poles and wires and, where possible, to speed up repairs and gradually restore electricity in some of the less affected locations.
Both private and sector crews and individuals also travelled through the island clearing roads partly covered by fallen trees and other debris.
The Adrian T Hazell Primary School suffered significant damage which the Ministry of Education said was being assessed. Grades 2, 3, 4 and 5 lost parts of their galvanize-and-wood roofing. This is now expected to cause some delay in accommodating students in those classrooms during the repair work. The reopening of the school in September was delayed due to disrepair, infestation and insanity conditions; and plans are afoot to commence the construction of eight new classrooms shortly. All public schools except this one will resume classes on Monday, October 20.
On Tuesday, October 14, Governor Christina Scott joined personnel at the National Emergency Operations Centre to review the impact of the hurricane and the necessary emergency response. During that evening, the Governor broadcast a statement in which she said in part:
“It is very welcome that there are no reported casualties as a result of the storm. Of course the storm has caused interruptions to some essential services such as electricity and water, which will continue to inconvenience the public in the days ahead. I recognise also that some have had their homes and businesses affected, and had important possessions destroyed. As they set about cleaning up, I want to reassure the public that their public services are working hard to support their efforts.
“I should like to thank all those who worked so hard before and during the storm, and who have been working tirelessly since. In particular, my thanks to the emergency services, businesses and public officials who are striving to restore services to the public as quickly as possible, and to Radio Anguilla which kept our company through the storm and has been providing such valuable updates.
“I would also like to thank the public who have been helping to clear roads around their homes, checking on vulnerable neighbours, and assisting their neighbourhoods in many other ways to respond to the storm. Our communities are strongest when they stand together and, in talking to people across the island, I have been impressed again by the resilience and generosity of the people who call this special island home.
“With just a couple weeks before the tourist season starts, together these efforts by the whole of society will help to restore Anguilla to its beautiful best. Thank you for the contribution you are making.”
Chief Minister Hubert Hughes was also quoted on Radio Anguilla as extending thanks to all persons who responded to the aftermath of Hurricane Gonzalo.
