Antigua and Barbuda was hit by a fire that affected the Yacht Club Marina in English Harbour, as well as several businesses at Falmouth Harbour. Reports from St John’s are that over 100 people have been placed on the breadline as a result of the massive blaze. The fire occurred at a time when the island was already experiencing heavy rains, lightning, and widespread flooding caused by Tropical Storm Philippe.
Skull Duggery café, Yacht Club Marina Gym, Cloggy’s, Dock Master Office, a fish shop, Dockside Liquor, and several other businesses were all affected by the fire. Prime Minister Gaston Browne reacted to the news, saying that he was thankful that no one was seriously injured and that the island had been spared the worst.
He added that, as a resilient people, they would soldier on.
The yacht Alfa Nero was moved on Monday before the storm hit, but the Yacht Club Marina, where it was docked, was completely gutted by the fire. Several other businesses were destroyed, resulting in at least 100 job losses. Meanwhile, the National Office of Disaster Service (NODS) in Antigua and Barbuda reported that over 30 requests for search and rescue had been made following widespread flooding throughout the island due to Tropical Storm Philippe.
Emergency 911 reported to the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) that some residents who were stranded in their vehicles in Bathlodge and on the Airport Road had to be rescued. Many of these individuals were travelling late on the roadways. Emergency personnel have been busy rescuing people whose homes were flooded in areas such as Piggotts, Cassada Gardens, and the vicinity of the Potworks Dam.
A bus got stuck in flood waters in the Golden Grove extension area, while other areas such as Upper Fort Road, Grays Farm/Green Bay, and other communities were also affected by flooding. A few people are being accommodated in shelters in several districts.
In addition to the flooding and rescue initiatives, there have been continued efforts to suppress the major fire at the Yacht Club Marina in English Harbour. According to reports, wind gusts are making it difficult to extinguish the blaze. Emergency personnel have urged people to stay indoors until given the all-clear by authorities, as flood waters and debris pose a significant risk to those who venture outside.
DNO, where did this dangerous fire originate and what’s the name? Should Dominica be on a fire watch or warning…..haha!