The Turks and Caicos Islands’ Acting Governor and Premier received the latest update about the nation’s recovery from Tropical Storm Cristobal today, Thursday, 28 August 2014.

The Disaster Executive Policy Committee, co-chaired by the Acting Governor the Hon. Anya Williams and Premier Hon. Dr. Rufus Ewing, along with Ministers and Senior civil servants, received the very latest information from North Caicos and Providenciales.

Director of Engineering and Maintenance Services, Xavier Malcolm, who is leading the effort on North Caicos advised that this afternoon flood water levels in Bottle Creek had significantly reduced due to a combination of pumping and cutting a new drainage trench.

Malcolm also provided an update about the township of Kew where work on a new access road had started with extensive progress already being made.

On the island of Providenciales, water levels on the main roadways in the downtown and other areas have been reduced by pumping. The focus of the recovery effort is now being shifted to Five Cays, Kew Town and the Leeward areas.

The addition of several new wells had already taken place in Leeward, and a further assessment is being conducted as to determine what else is required.  Further, the Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies will conduct their own assessment of Providenciales today, and will travel to North Caicos tomorrow to carry out an updated assessment of the recovery works and the ongoing social needs of that island.

All government ministries remain on standby to provide additional assistance. The Ministry of Finance has made provisions for additional funds and resources to be drawn upon, if necessary.

Provo Residents with severe flooding advised to Contact DDME

The Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies (DDME) wishes to advise residents in Providenciales whose homes and yards are still severely flooded to contact their Providenciales office for possible assistance.

DDME will be providing assistance on a priority basis to stranded residents. Residents are encouraged to take measures to protect their property and to follow the guidance previously issued by the Ministry of Health to prevent the breeding of mosquitoes and other health concerns.