The island was drenched over the weekend, leading to localised flooding and rockslides. This inclement weather was courtesy of a large disturbance now expected to develop into a tropical cyclone north of the Caribbean as it moves away from the region.
Some complained about not being warned. However, from Friday morning the Meteorological Department of St. Maarten (MDS) had reported on higher moisture and instability increasing the probability of showers, some of which could be moderate to heavy with a risk of street flooding.
As the day went on such showers and thunderstorms became fully expected, along with flooding in low-lying areas. In the afternoon authorities issued a flash flood and rockfall advisory mentioning specific locations that road users should avoid.
Many did not, seeing the many videos of partially submerged vehicles circulating on social media. That is a judgement each motorist must make, but if something happens and they need help it may unnecessarily burden emergency and rescue services perhaps urgently needed elsewhere.
Interim Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication (TEATT) Omar Ottley on Saturday night even asked businesses to consider closing early for employees needing to go home to secure their families and property. Several heeded that call, often also because of few clients.
Rainwater runoff systems obviously could not handle the large amount of rain in a short time, prompting flooding in vulnerable spots. Although that is understandable, it still bears further review to see whether more can be done to prevent such in the future.
For example, the Great Bay Beach channel to alleviate Fresh Pond was not opened until Saturday evening, some would say too late. It has also become clear once again that floodgates installed at A.Th. Illidge Road to send excess water from Fresh Pond into Great Salt Pond are insufficient to prevent Zagersgut from flooding badly due to the sheer volume in the main canal coming out of the Cul-de-Sac valley.
Some of the other usual problem spots are difficult to tackle because of physical, logistical and infrastructural limitations, but it’s good to nevertheless see where there might be room for improvement going forward. After all, what is good can always get better.
