News coming from the recent Caribbean Climate Outlook Forum in Barbados (see related story) should not go unnoticed. The host country’s chief meteorologist warned that the usually dry period ahead for the region could be quite wet due to this year’s “La Niña” weather phenomenon.
The latter creates a higher probability for flooding over the next few months, also because soils are relatively drenched following an active end of the 2022 Atlantic hurricane season. The heavy rains of Christmas Eve 2013 that left “death and destruction” in St. Vincent and the Grenadines as well as St. Lucia were mentioned as example of the need to remain vigilant during the holidays.
While the risk is reportedly bigger for the southern than northern part of the island chain, St. Maarten has reason to be concerned. The country’s water management systems did not do so well during downpours three weeks ago, particularly at the Zagersgut bridge, where runoff from the entire cul-de-sac valley ends up.
The floodgates in that area are meant to release excess water from Fresh Pond into Great Salt Pond. However, the public later learned that two major pumps to regulate the level of the Salt Pond by sending excess water to sea via Rolandus Canal were broken, one beyond repair.
The Fire Department had to assist by pumping water out over the road, where a temporary dirt ramp was created for passing motor vehicles to protect its hoses. This is obviously not a desirable situation especially on an island prone to tropical systems.
Minister of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure VROMI Egbert Doran said the Dutch Ministry of Home Affairs and Kingdom Relations BZK had been asked to help replace the pump that can’t be fixed because the local budget only covers maintenance. This in turn raises the question whether a lack of such may have been the problem in the first place.
Nevertheless, his statement that this request was “already in process” at least raises hope that it will be handled expeditiously and – considering the urgency involved – preferably within a matter of weeks, not months.
