UPDATE: Woman, grandson, injured in Concord flash flood

Passers by try to push the vehicle out of the water
Passers by try to push the vehicle out of the swollen water caused by the flash flood

A woman and her grandson were rushed to hospital with injuries sustained during what appeared to be a flash flood in Concord.

Reports reaching DNO are that Carol Valmond, a teacher of the North East Comprehensive School, was washing her vehicle in the Concord river on Wednesday afternoon, when suddenly the river overflowed washing away the vehicle, with her grandson inside.

Valmond was also swept away in the sudden deluge.

She was rescued by two passers-by who found her further down the river. She was shaken and badly bruised.

Amazingly her grandson, who is about eight years old, managed to get out of the vehicle and head to safety.

They were both taken to the Marigot hospital for treatment.

The area where the incident occurred is popular for bathing and washing vehicles since the road goes directly through the river.

The vehicle after it was swept away
The vehicle after it was swept away in the flash flood

 

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87 Comments

  1. August 29, 2013

    ??????????? August 29, 2013

    Thank you for your continuous defense on my behalf–I am sure that you are defending the Truth as I write it, not by any form of human wisdom and philosophy of mine, but by the Power of Holy Spirit.

    He is speaking through both you, me, and others like us; and no man, no matter how mighty and wise they may be can stop us from God’s work.

    The truth is that those who are attempting to challenge my messages are nothing by young carnal minds–they are still like babies.

    I have no intentions of disobeying our God to please human beings–they who continue to be the ‘Natural Man” they cannot receive the things of God, because they are Spiritually discerned.

    God will deal with them at His appointed time.

  2. alas
    August 29, 2013

    Say praise god they didnt die stop being foolish.could have been you

  3. Tumble back kick
    August 29, 2013

    So who sets the example in Da? There is no reason to WASH A CAR IN A RIVER, PERIOD! Whoever does that is flat out … When you wash your hair its goes into a septic, or to a treatment plant. I try as much as possible to recycle and all the other Rs. Imagine tourists or even some Kalinago downstream are on the beach or in the boucherie and oil is floating down, then the plastic and rubbish that she didnot want because she is washing, and might as well clean the car. Can’t anybody see something wrong with that picture? We cannot eat our cake and have it, nature islanders. Dominicans if something is wrong so be it, no excuses neither justifications. Age, experience and knowledge bring reasoning. The post specified that she is a TEACHER.
    I d’accord in Da we have no kind of standard, everything goes and if you don’t like it lie down by it.

    • ???????????
      August 29, 2013

      Tumble back kick she only washes the outside of the vehicle in the river. No one ever told you she was going to throw her plastic etc. Stop assuming that she was going to throw plastic, oil etc. You seem to be one of those person who likes to talk and just say what comes to your mind first. The vehicle would not be in the river but close to the river. It is a normal thing to wash in the river. Because of the close proximity to the water, it is easier and all that oil talking is in your head, the woman have a new vehicle and was just washing off the dust from the outside.

    • OBSERVER
      August 29, 2013

      What about taking a bath or washing clothes in the river is that wrong too? Your point has no basis, what about all the huge ship that travel in the ocean and even rivers every day, is that wrong too? just saying

  4. INSENSITIVE
    August 29, 2013

    well well well all I have to say is the river strike back. i am sure is not the first time she washing her car in the river. And we all know we are not supposed to do that. It’s a very bad practice that we Dominicans do on a regular basis. so next time you think of washing your vehicle in the river. Remember the woman from concord AND DONT. I bet she will never do it again.

  5. AP
    August 29, 2013

    All these interesting posts. I think people have every right to wash their vehicle at the river. It’s just a Dominican thing. A little consideration though: with rights come great responsibilities and they must be exercised judiciously. Sooo, not because you can, doesn’t mean you should! Secondly, since flash floods are problematic in such areas, it would be good if the gov’t (or whomever) erects signs alerting folks of the danger. A safe zone should be made/built for washing cars (elevated area, retaining walls, etc) in the event of flash floods that folks could at least escape. Thirdly, a bridge should be built over the river. The road should not go thru the river. And for folks who think this only happens in Dominica, think twice. It happens is many regions around the world. Granted, in many other places, there are established car washes (or your homes) where your car is washed, but the beauty of Dominica is that these things are still commonplace as going to the beach.

    • Larchmont, NY
      August 29, 2013

      Pollution/contamination vs livestock. Remember Dominica was voted the most Eco-friendly in the Caribbean.

  6. birdy1964
    August 29, 2013

    Thanks be to god they are alive, but why washing you jeep at the river.It is much more easy to use a garden hose to wash your car, why risking your life driving through bad road to get to that river, I personally would like to see a vechicle being wash by a river, only if I am doing a prunk. I am not lifting buckets of water to throw on my jeep to wash it. it is so so amazing. I still not geting this picture in my head.

    • Programmer
      August 29, 2013

      Go get a life whoever you are. There are so many places along Dominica’s roads which run abreast of the river where you can just drive to the side of the river or into the river, wash your vehicle, take a bath or a swim and go your merry way. So that business of “not lifting buckets of water to throw on my jeep to wash it” is just condescending. You are missing out on real living and making use of nature’s gifts. You probably feel comfortable where you are in your musty old apartment probably over some fastfood joint where you smell stale oil and fries all day. Leave us in our nature isle; we good to go; we just have to be careful, that’s all

    • flower
      August 29, 2013

      The next time you go to Dominica, try washing the car you rent in the river it is fun. I guess you are not from Dominica.

    • Justice and Truth
      August 31, 2013

      Do they not pay for water in Dominica? If it is possible to wash the vehicle in the river, it would make it cheaper, easier and faster for them. Furthermore, the water is flowing and clean.

  7. Donna
    August 29, 2013

    You both are in my prayers. I wish you a speedy recovery!

  8. Anonymous
    August 29, 2013

    Thank God my God-mother and her grandson are okay, two very wonderful people. That’s all that matters is that they are safe. This could have happened to anyone if you are familiar with the area, no matter what the reason was for being by the river. God is good all the time!

  9. Anonymous
    August 29, 2013

    This is the same river that washed away a Toulon guy from Queen Mary street some years ago

  10. Governance
    August 29, 2013

    We should all be happy that both persons are alive and hope their injuries will be healed. However, Dominicans should not be washing vehicles in rivers.
    The practice needs to stopped.

  11. Anonymous
    August 29, 2013

    Washing your car may not seem to be a problem, but washing vehicles near rivers,lakes etc adds up to big problems for our river and streams. Pollution associated with car washing degrades water quality while also finding its way into sediments, impacting AQUATIC habitats.

  12. grell
    August 29, 2013

    hope she learns her lesson,your a teacher and contaminating the river,thank god your ok.Nature is taking back her revenge on how badly we have damaged her.

  13. just me
    August 29, 2013

    thank god they are safe

  14. Pondera
    August 29, 2013

    Thank God the outcome was not worse. Here’s my point. There were clear signs that there was heavy rainfall stretching from Pagua Bay up to the hills back to Norway Hills. There was a very dark cloud and heavy rain. I drive through the heavy showers. So the river did not just rise without signs. It makes sense that we act wisely when there are clear signs of danger.

  15. Nostalgia
    August 29, 2013

    Y all the bickering nuh???? I don’t see the reason for it.

  16. mee1
    August 29, 2013

    Saw alot of people doing that butit is not a good practice as we all can see. Even if it is dry in the area, it might be raining in the forest and once that’s the case the rivers will get heavy. sorry for the two who were hurt. I hope the others who wash their ride there open their eyes.

  17. observer
    August 29, 2013

    Thank god it was not worst outcome. Wow- she was my co-worker while at St. Andrews High.

  18. Lessons
    August 29, 2013

    Thank God they are safe. Teacher please teach your children dat Pagua not easy and dat spot was never designed to be a public car wash!
    Please teach dem to always mark the water level on a rock when going in the river and check it frequently to see if the water level is rising. They must get out quick if they see the water level rise!
    Teach people to stop washing their cars at that spot because it is dangerous and it is polluting the river with soap and detergent which is bad for de mullet and de crayfish. And worse still more bad news will come when de cost for de car come and insurance policy doh cover dat…At least allu have your life so give thanks for dat!

    • Putting it right
      August 29, 2013

      “Polluting the river with soap and detergent”? But before there was pipe-borne water, everybody used to go wash their clothes in the river. So what are you talking about? All you get too “up there” for my liking

      • Wildflower
        August 30, 2013

        That was before there was pipe-borne water… so what is the excuse now? OK, so it is fun to wash your vehicle in the river, and it nice and refreshing to wash your clothes and your mats in the river, and it nice to literally bathe (with soap) in the river too… I agree… but I don’t do it anymore, because I have learnt, and seen also, that soap and detergent are NOT good for the fish. its a fact and we cannot change that. So… we can either rise ‘up there’ or we can choose to stay ‘down there’. simple choices in life.

  19. rol
    August 29, 2013

    Glad they got out safe, about 20 years ago couple of my relatives got sweep away in that same river never to be found. There are signs a flash flood is about to occur even where you are is sunny.

  20. Peace
    August 28, 2013

    Thanks GOD

  21. rescue 911
    August 28, 2013

    i am reading this all the way in newyork and i shivver .god is a good god .

  22. Anonymous
    August 28, 2013

    But what I seeing there nuh…who washes their car in a river…

    • Anonymous
      August 28, 2013

      Are you from Dominica?, guess not.

      • smh
        August 29, 2013

        Definitely Dominican playing American. “but what i seeing there nuh” definitely Dominican

    • John Paul
      August 28, 2013

      Alot of People .

    • rescue 911
      August 29, 2013

      i get your point…you’re not a dominican.any dominican with a good sence of humour would know that..sakway sort

    • TT???.
      August 29, 2013

      Obviously, you are not from Dominica. 8-O 8-O

    • DR HA HA
      August 29, 2013

      Well i guess not you!….because is a caterpilla you have. Washing a vehicle in a river is alot of fun. Come to Dominica and try it “cause you are certainly not from here.

    • smite
      August 30, 2013

      people who choose to go against
      all warnings

  23. browneyes
    August 28, 2013

    To God be the Glory great things he has done. Thank You Lord for sparing the lives of Carol and Keiron. My family and I were higher up that same river about half an hour before that incident occurred. I am still in shock.

  24. Justice and Truth
    August 28, 2013

    That was a close call and a scary one for them. Thank God they are both alive with no major injuries except for their trauma. He protected them. Praise God!
    I know some Valmonds in Dominica. I am wondering if I know her. If not, I know some members of her family. What is important is both of them escaped the river’s force.
    When I resided in Dominica, a few of us had such an experience. We were bathing in a river and enjoying the water in that pool. My back was turned to where the river flowed downstream. All of a sudden someone in the group shouted, “The river is coming!” I turned and saw this spectacular not far from where I was. I had time to run out of the water.
    The river came cascading down stream in full force. It scared me. It made me nervous. This was an experience.
    It is a lesson for us all. We take the calm, peaceful-flowing river for granted. Do not turn your back to where the river is flowing downstream or look up at intervals even though your back is not turned to it. We do not know what is occurring in the forest. It rains in the interior. When this occurs the river will overflow and whoever and whatever is in its path, it will take with it.
    Carol Valmond and nephew I am happy to know that you are OK. It was an experience and shock for both of you. Even though you will never forget it, you will recover from the shock in time.
    Do not let this deter you from returning to the river. Just be careful. Do not turn your back to the river. Always be on the alert.
    God bless both of you!

  25. Anonymous
    August 28, 2013

    Sad news…

  26. ces sa mwem
    August 28, 2013

    to GOD BE THE GLORY

  27. Tumble back kick
    August 28, 2013

    In 2013 why are people still washing vehicles in rivers. So much for environmental awareness teach!

    • Anonymous
      August 28, 2013

      I’m not sure why people are not liking this comment because it is a valid point…who washes their car in a river????

      • John Paul
        August 28, 2013

        Many People wash their cars in that spot .There has been complaints about it in the past .besides it is not a good idea to submerge your Axles for prolonged periods ,water will mix with the oil .Some of that oil will get into the stream.

      • Cza
        August 28, 2013

        Why go swimming in a river an relax When ur house have bathroom? Answer that

      • Proud
        August 29, 2013

        Are you for real?????? What planet are you from????? Dominica is the land of rivers and water. We enjoy what we were blessed with.

      • Krazy
        August 29, 2013

        u fool

    • Disgusted..
      August 28, 2013

      Do u really think that this comment is appropriate at this time? Do u really think u are able to cast the first stone?

    • %%%%
      August 28, 2013

      ur an idiot

    • rescue 911
      August 29, 2013

      you watch too much tv.get dominicanized.

    • imagine
      August 29, 2013

      I’m guessing you recylce. And not litter. Wait!!! You also don’t use perfumes, and wash your hair with shampoo..You don’t drive or take transportation, nor do you support anything not grown organically!!! Yup more people should be environmentally aware as you are!

      • smite
        August 30, 2013

        if she was not using what remains of the river as a car wash u would not be posting this idiotic comment. really? car washing in the river to the use of shampoo. do u know that not far down that very area is one of the most popular basins from the carib territory to Melville hall. come on Dominican protect what we have. I fell saddened for them both. however she was in the wrong place doing a wrong thing at the wrong time. get better soon miss valmond

    • ???????????
      August 29, 2013

      Go tumble and do a back kick!

    • Wildflower
      August 30, 2013

      Alot of people wash their cars in the river, and its summer time, so I guess even more… where they make it fun for the children to help. But, consider… why go swimming in a river if people going to be washing vehicles above you…? We need to stop some of the cultural practices that we have… not all of them are good.

  28. wow
    August 28, 2013

    Praise to God, and thanks to those who help, blessings upon them

  29. Kade
    August 28, 2013

    Thanks to those who were trying to get the viechle out, Kadeem Guiste, Tikenti Auguiste, Mimboko Auguiste, Oponti Auguiste, and Kelvin Burton

    • Jayzey
      August 28, 2013

      kudos to them!! it must have been a very terrifying ordeal for the woman and her grandson. Give God his praises, thank goodness they’re ok!

    • jah
      August 29, 2013

      Good samaritans

      On another note..its nice to hear the guys with such tribal names…I wonder what they mean??

  30. August 28, 2013

    what a scary ordeal. Carol God watched over you and grandson. The devil is a liar.
    We all wish you well.

  31. August 28, 2013

    It is good to read that we can think of God’s deliverance and to give the Honor for guiding and protecting us because He knows of our ignorance. Praise the Lord.

    However the lesson to learn in that accident, is that if it is raining, we should stay from the rivers and brooks around us–we do not know when they will evolve into a heavy and destructively, flowing flood.

    Many young children have died through that situation in the summer, here in Toronto; as the rain begins and the brooks where they may have been walking or playing suddenly overflows its bank, with a rush of heavy flowing water out of control.

    People of Dominica don’t forget that warning–we need to be on the alert all of the time and of all sorts of reasons.

    • Dcan
      August 28, 2013

      @lizavier4jesus: I long got the day you will make a brief relevant post on this site

      • Dcan
        August 28, 2013

        for*

      • JoJo
        August 28, 2013

        Amen!

      • ???????????
        August 29, 2013

        @Dcan. Leave Liz alone, I think you must take some time and read her comments. Firstly she gives and thanks us that we can give God the honour and praise for protection and guidance.
        Secondly she is saying that there a lessons to be learnt from that experience and we should be careful with rivers and brooks if it is raining.
        and lastly she gave examples of what happens where she is regarding young children who are playing and exhorts us to be vigilante at all time.

        Do you call that irrelevant? I presume that you did not take time to read her posts.

        I guess that because you do not like to hear the truthful things that she speaks about that once you see her name, you block your faculties and do not read anything but just castigates her.

        Lizavier4Jesus continue to do what the spirit guides you to do – Woman of God – The message will not always be accepted but one has to do what the Lord has commanded.

    • Anonymous
      August 28, 2013

      U r very ignorant.. And foolish…. If u knew the area at all, it need not b raining in the area for flooding to occur as long as dere is rain in the mountains which is never always seen.. It was a bright sunny day in the area.. So stop speaking outa timing… Shocks people like u irritate me …

      • John Paul
        August 28, 2013

        The Pagua river originates near Morne Diablotin and heavty rains in the mountains can cause flash floods and someone in Pagua would think it was a sunny day .I have seen it happen many times .Solution is not to wash Your vehicle in the river

    • Well Sah..
      August 28, 2013

      You speak like an arrogant ignorant fool…for a so call person of God… If you knew the area at all, you will know that it need not be raining in the immediate area for flooding to occur… It rains in the mountains and not always seen..,.. FYI it was a bright sunny day… Stop speaking outa timing… People like u irritate the royals outa me.,. Shocks.. If nothing else wish them gods blessings…

      • August 29, 2013

        @Anonymous August 28, 2013 and Well Sah August 28, 2013

        The two names may belong to the same “character” I will not even think of you as a person or persons, because you are not worth being identified as such.

        If the idiot in you, knew personally, who wrote the comment above, I am sure you would shut-up! You are not qualified to oppose to what I write–and so, away with you or you both.

      • ???????????
        August 29, 2013

        Lizavier4Jesus said “is that if it is raining, we should stay from the rivers” the main word there is “IF”. She never said it was raining.

        Her article was not arrogant nor the way, you want it to seem. What I gather is that there are some person in their own “stiffnecked” way of not acknowledging the God the creator of the all living things and the Universe, are adverse towards anyone who speaks about God. And the very opportunity, they get to Lambase those who speak about God, they do so with such anger etc. For your own personal growth, I recommend that you all read Numbers 12 about Moses, Miriam and Aaron. There is a great lesson to be learnt for those who are always bashing those who speak the word of God or gives spiritual messages.

        I do not need any thumbs-up! All my thumbs up come from the Lord. Lizavier continue to give the message. Let he or she who interprets in their own carnal knowledge do so and do not even answer or hit back. The Lord is our Help in times of Trouble.

      • Wildflower
        August 30, 2013

        It WAS raining… it was not raining on the west coast, and MAYBE it was not raining on the east coast, but it sure WAS raining in the interior!! If you only look at the colour of the river in the photos, you can see that it was raining…. that’s the danger of a “FLASH” flood.

    • Toomatoe Tomato
      August 29, 2013

      Where in the article did it state it was raining when the incident happened, Liz4?

      What a narrow escape. Thank God for the people who were passing at the right time and were able to come to their rescue. God is good.

    • anonymous3
      August 29, 2013

      Do you know the meaning of FLASH FLOOD?

    • Big Bannan
      August 29, 2013

      It is people like you who give Jesus a horrible name. Arrogant, self-centered people who think you can fool people by mentioning Jesus.

    • Big Bannan
      August 29, 2013

      You claim to be in Toronto but it seems your mentality is still stuck under the mango tree where ever you came from. Oblivious.

      • ???????????
        August 29, 2013

        Read my comment above for persons like yourself Big Bannan and Toomatoe Tomato.

  32. Anonymous
    August 28, 2013

    Thank god to god be the glory how grat is our god thank you lord

  33. real talk
    August 28, 2013

    priase God they are alive and it wasn’t her nephew it was her grandson

  34. Pestle
    August 28, 2013

    Thanking God for saving Mrs Valmond and her nephew.

  35. pat
    August 28, 2013

    Sigh, :cry: I don’t even know what to say, Carol Just say thanks to God, And that’s her Grandson not her nephew. Speedy recovery for you.

  36. gaza
    August 28, 2013

    Hope they’re ok it her grandson not nephew

  37. Free Thinker
    August 28, 2013

    Thank God, thank God that they are alright…..we have much to be thankful for!! I cannot finish thanking God for sparing their lives.

  38. God is real
    August 28, 2013

    To God be the glory, great things He hath done! Thank you Lord for the release of your angels to keep them safe!!! Thank you Lord indeed!!!!

    • atheist
      August 28, 2013

      To god be the glory? Why did he wash down the vehicle in the first place almost causing death? Why dont you give him that credit too?

      • God is real
        August 28, 2013

        I wonder who spared Daniel’s life when he was thrown into the lion’s den? The heavens declare the glory of God. Find yourself along the seashore tomorrow and just sit and look or go into a quiet place and ponder on the environment around you. After you have done both or one, ask yourself if there is really a God! Jesus loves even the atheist, that is why He died for you! I wish you Jesus!

      • August 28, 2013

        @atheist August 28, 2013

        You have chosen that name because you do not understand the God of Love and His ways of Love.

        However, you and me are in this world to glorify His Love in us, as it was meant from the very beginning there would not have no pain and suffering in doing so.

        However, in Adam and Eve, man chose not to give God the glory through disobedience–that is the reason He does not serve us on sliver platter to today–but He teaches to know His Love through His nature of mercy and compassion.

        In another words if the car, with Carol and her grandson was not washed away through that flood of the angry river–who would be thanking God today? For no one would have the reason to witness His ways of Love.

        If you are expecting for God to serve you on a silver platter then you are in big trouble, because first of all you will never come to know the beauty of His deliverance, much more for His blessings–including the Life of Love.

        Read the words below so to understand God’s ways in our lives spoken to the Church in Rome by Apostle Paul:

        “But we also glory in “tribulations”, knowing that tribulation produces “perseverance”; and perseverance, “character”; and character, “hope”. Now hope does not “disappoint”, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us Romans 5: 3-5

        And so, if Carol’s car was damaged she should have insurance which will cover the expense to repair the damages. Otherwise she has learned a lesson, in securing her belonging in case of lost or stolen.

  39. met veye
    August 28, 2013

    True Dominicans showing love and compassion. In times of disaster we all give a helping hand. Praise God for His mercies, the injured are both safe.

  40. Anonymous
    August 28, 2013

    thank god

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