Cayman Islands National Hurricane Committee situation report

Monday, September 13, 2004

At a briefing held at 11 am local time Monday, the Cayman Islands National Hurricane Committee (NHC) reported on what is known about the current situation in Grand Cayman. The NHC emphasised that it was still not yet in possession of complete information on the overall situation.

The ‘all clear’ has NOT yet been issued and all residents are asked to stay clear of the streets because of debris and power lines that may endanger life.

The NHC said there have been no reports of any deaths as a result of Hurricane Ivan.

Two Royal Navy ships have now arrived in Cayman waters: the frigate HMS Richmond Hill and the fleet auxiliary vessel Wave Ruler.

Security is a major concern and it is hoped that assistance will be provided by the Royal Navy, along with the mobilisation of off-duty police officers and special constables.

The NHC says it has received no reports of any looting but this is contradicted by other eye-witness reports.

Caribbean Utilities Corporation (CUC) estimates that power will be restored to George Town within two days. CUC was unable to give a similar estimate for the other districts.

Floodwater has damaged a generator at the water plant and it is not possible to say at this time when supplies will be restored.

The George Town Hospital suffered damage to the Mortuary, which is where medical supplies are kept refrigerated. The hospital is currently seeking an emergency generator.

Owen Roberts International Airport is expected to reopen for limited operations as of noon Monday and Cayman Airways has a plane standing by in Houston ready to fly in relief supplies.

No information is currently available as to when commercial flights will commence.

The Governor’s emergency powers will remain in place until further notice.

During the storm, the Bodden Town Civic Centre, which was being used as a hurricane shelter, suffered major damage, necessitating the evacuation of the 180 persons who had taken refuge there to the Bodden Town Primary School.

The Government will be establishing a special committee to coordinate relief efforts, which will include participation by the Cayman Islands Red Cross. Further details will be published in due course.

The Financial Secretary, Hon George McCarthy, has appealed for national unity at his time of crisis and for everyone to pull together in the aftermath of Hurricane Ivan. He said everyone is an individual who has been affected to one degree or another by the devastation wrought by Hurricane Ivan. Traditionally divisive labels such as Caymanians, status holders, expatriates, etc. are now irrelevant.

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