The lessons of Earl

While we were encouraged by the Virgin Islands’ well-orchestrated response to Hurricane Earl, we hope the storm will motivate the territory to renew its commitment to preparing in advance for major hurricanes.

The category four storm passed to the north of the territory, the edge of its eye just brushing Anegada. Around the islands, the damage was severe, but not catastrophic: Several boats sank or washed ashore; power lines and large trees fell; a few windows shattered; bleachers were blown across the A.O. Recreation Grounds in Road Town; and galvanised roofing flew off a few structures. Thankfully, though, no serious injuries or deaths were reported.

But if Earl had scored a direct hit, the damage probably would have been much worse. The territory must ask itself, then, if it would have been prepared for this eventuality.

In many respects, we believe the answer is yes. To all appearances, government agencies — including the Department of Disaster Management, the Public Works Department, Fire and Rescue Services and the BVI Electricity Corporation — acted quickly and thoroughly, starting days before the storm arrived.

Beforehand, officials collaborated with the private sector to give the community ample warning of the storm’s magnitude. We were particularly encouraged to note the use of text messages to spread the word as the storm grew on Sunday evening. Regular radio updates continued throughout the storm.

Afterwards, government workers and community members were on the ground to start the clean-up effort by dawn on Tuesday, and many businesses opened shortly thereafter. By the end of the day, much of the damage had been repaired, many roads had been cleared, and power was restored to much of Tortola.

Still, we believe the damages could have been greatly reduced if more careful preparations had been made in advance.

The day before the storm, much had been left undone: Houses and businesses weren’t properly secured; debris were strewn across constructions sites; boats were moored, anchored and docked in questionable locations; and cars were parked near the water.

Such negligence doubtless proved costly for many. In Sopers Hole, for example, more than 10 boats washed ashore or sank. At Baughers Bay, large ships were tossed against rocks and partially sank. Meanwhile, the Road Town Ferry Terminal lost much of its galvanised roofing, and its seaward-facing windows, which were not protected by shutters, shattered.

Moreover, a few residents behaved carelessly during and after the hurricane, endangering themselves and others. Even while heavy winds blew on Monday afternoon, private vehicles were passing through Road Town. And some residents reportedly emerged shortly after the storm to sightsee, frustrating responders who were trying to ensure residents’ safety.

Governor Boyd McCleary said he plans to consider legislation to help bolster hurricane safety measures: regulating derelict vessels, for example, or prohibiting residents from taking to the streets during and after major storms. Such measures could serve the territory well.

In the coming weeks, we hope that the community’s spirit of cooperation will continue as the territory works to recover from Hurricane Earl. And we hope that next time, the VI truly will be ready for the worst.