Cayman News Agency: NEOC activated, roads closed due to flooding

(CNS): The National Emergency Operations Centre was partially activated Monday to provide coordinated and tactical rescue for those affected by flooding on Grand Cayman. Officials said Hazard Management Cayman Islands (HMCI) is leading the collaboration of multiple agencies, including RCIPS, Cayman Islands Coast Guard, CI Fire Service, Emergency Medical Services, Cadet Corps and Cayman Regiment, to ensure the safe evacuation of low-lying areas.

To reduce the risk of a collision, the public is also asked to stay off the roads as many are flooded and dangerous to travel. If you must drive, drivers are asked to drive slowly and turn on their lights.

The National Roads Authority (NRA) is working to manage and mitigate the effects of flooding, but several roads in and around Georgetown have been closed due to flooding. Banks announced early closures to help people get home safely. Although the heavy rain had subsided by the afternoon, the Linford Pearson Highway and Agnes Road remained closed in both directions. Eastern Avenue and Windsor Parkway were also closed at the Walker Road intersection.

The Monday evening commute is expected to be difficult due to road closures, particularly on the LPH, and many other roads, such as Shamrock Road, remaining flooded.

The Crewe Road office of the Department of Vehicle and Driver Licensing (DVDL) has been closed because the main building, particularly the customer lobby, was flooded, posing a “significant safety risk and liability”, officials said. “Due to the flooding, the facility is currently unsafe. Unfortunately, our outer district office is also closed on Monday.”

It is uncertain whether the office will resume normal hours on Tuesday, but officials said they plan to reopen sometime tomorrow pending further developments.

The Cayman Islands Red Cross on Huldah Avenue is currently open to anyone who needs emergency shelter, and the secondary shelter at the East End Civic Centre opened at 1:30 p.m. Medical staff will be on-site at the shelter to provide necessary care. All Health Services Authority (HSA) locations, including the District Health Centre, remain open Monday, but those who were unable to make an appointment due to weather conditions are asked to contact the clinic to reschedule or travel to and from their appointment with caution.

The Department of Education and Educational Services said all public schools would finish on time on Monday and bus services were expected to run as normal.

However, some areas are still experiencing flooding or are at risk of flooding, which may affect student drop-offs. School bus drivers will assess the situation and if it is deemed unsafe to drop off students (especially younger children) and there is no one to meet them, the children will be sent back to their respective schools. Parents and guardians are asked to greet their children at bus drop-off.

For families living in flood-prone areas, particularly Randyc Gardens, Windsor Park, Prospect and Red Bay, the Cayman Islands Regiment will be on hand to help these children get home safely. “We will continue to work closely with the Cayman Islands National Weather Service and monitor weather conditions closely.”

Officials said if any adjustments are needed to school operations tomorrow, an update will be provided by 7 p.m. tonight.

Premier Juliana O’Connor-Connolly said the government was fully prepared to provide support during the current flood situation. “The NEOC has been partially activated to ensure that all relevant agencies are trained and experienced in providing emergency relief and are able to provide a tactical and coordinated response,” she said.

“I ask the public to remain vigilant and support each other over the next few hours. It is our actions in times like these that show the true strength of our communities. Please continue to monitor official government channels and adhere to the advice given,” she added.

Regimental officers have now been deployed to the worst affected areas, namely Windsor Park, Landike Gardens and Tropical Gardens, to carry out assessments and advise on other NEOC activities.

Meanwhile, the Cayman Islands Bankers Association said all local retail banks were closing early and encouraged people to use electronic banking services. “CIBA and its member retail banks support and encourage you to follow the Cayman Islands Government’s guidelines to stay safe,” the association said.

The sky will remain overcast with showers and thunder continuing Monday afternoon, with 1 to 1.5 inches of rainfall expected to fall tonight, with local maximum totals of 2 to 3 inches possible on Grand Cayman.

Less than an inch of rain is expected in the Sister Islands. A small craft warning remains in effect with winds from the southeast to the south at 15 to 20 knots, with higher gusts and thunder. Seas will be rough with waves of 4 to 6 feet.

For official government updates, visit caymanprepared.ky, gov.ky and CIG social media channels. Residents are reminded to register and install the National Emergency Notification System or NENS app. Visit www.nens.gov.ky Learn about the instructions for use.