Message: Damage Assessment Report identifies Priority Needs for Turks and Caicos Islands (Friday, September 12, 2008)

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1 Message: Damage Assessment Report identifies Priority Needs for Turks and Caicos Islands (Friday, September 12, 2008) THE EVENT Hurricane Ike a Category 4 system with sustained winds of 135 mph (215km/hr) impacted the Turks and Caicos Islands between September 6 and 7, This occurred one week after the passage of Tropical Storm Hanna which circled the islands twice before heading northward. The Government of the Turks and Caicos declared a disaster area for Grand Turk and South Caicos Islands due to the extent and magnitude of damage and affected population. SITUATION UPDATE Assessments were undertaken on Grand Turk and South Caicos with the support of the Rapid Damage Assessment Teams. The Teams were mobilized by CDERA through an arrangement with the Governments of Jamaica and Saint Lucia and facilitated through the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) and the National Emergency Management Organisation (NEMO) respectively. Between September 8 and 9, 2008, an assessment of approximately 75% of the buildings on Grand Turk was completed and the remainder is expected to be completed by locally trained personnel with CDERA support. An aerial assessment was conducted on South Caicos which was followed up on September 11, 2008 with ground assessment. The initial damage assessment allows for decisions to be made on the prioritization and allocation of resources during the response period. SUMMARY OF INITIAL DAMAGE ASSESSMENT Housing In Grand Turk, 95% of the houses were damaged, one-fifth of which was significant damage. In South Caicos, 95% of the houses were also damaged with over one-third significantly damaged or destroyed. Damage also occurred on other islands, pockets of which were significant but in general damage was minor. Health On Grand Turk, there was significant structural damage to roofs and buildings resulting in the disruption of most health services. Pharmacy stores 1

2 and supplies facilities received major damage or total destruction. Water and electricity were also disrupted but now has been restored. There was some damage to the Clinic on Salt Cay In North Caicos and Middle Caicos, there was no damage or minimal damage to the clinic. Public health and epidemiological surveillance will be the next priority as Tropical Storm Hanna dumped a significant amount of water on the Turks and Caicos Islands and actions will be advanced to mitigate against outbreaks. Medical health personnel required are being coordinated through the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). However, housing of overseas medical personnel in Grand Turk as well as meeting the needs of local health personnel who have been significantly impacted by Hurricane Ike is a challenge which the Government is seeking to address Education Some damage was experienced by schools in Grand Turk, South Caicos and Middle Caicos Islands. Efforts are advanced for restarting of school in Providenciales with some schools already resuming. The re-start of schools for 5th and 6th forms is a priority and classes are expected to resume next week. The main concern at this time is accommodation for many of the teachers particularly on Grand Turk who are contract workers. Government is exploring options to facilitate their accommodation. Agriculture Damage was sustained to the agricultural sector in North and Middle Caicos and the fishing industry in South Caicos has been significantly impacted. Electricity There has been major damage to electricity in Grand Turk. The electricity grid has to be rebuilt. In Providenciales 50 poles were downed and 9out of 12 distributors were also downed. Most of them have been repaired. In North Caicos and Middle Caicos, 50 poles were downed and 100 poles in South Caicos. Electricity restoration is expected to take from three (3) weeks to at least six (6) weeks in the hardest hit areas. Local power companies are receiving assistance from the Caribbean Electric Utility Service Corporation (CARILEC). Other overseas line crews from Canada and Bermuda are also expected to assist in the restoration process. 2

3 Airport The airports on Providenciales, Grand Turk and South Caicos were all flooded. Whilst some areas still have remnants of flooding, the airports have been reopened. Telephone Cable and Wireless and Digicel services have been restored to Grand Turk. Land lines have not been restored but Cable and Wireless is advancing actions to undertake restoration. Broadcasting The radio station received some damage but is now back up and broadcasting. Transport Links A number of roads were blocked by fallen poles, trees and debris on all islands. Clearing of these roads for main transport arteries have mostly been completed or are near completion. The causeway between North Caicos and Middle Caicos is washed away from Tropical Storm Hanna. Roads on some islands particularly South Caicos are still flooded. RELIEF SUPPLIES The distribution of Relief supplies is being undertaken in collaboration with the Red Cross and other non-governmental organizations. Priority, thus far has been in providing food, water and temporary roofing materials. Short term feeding tents are to be established on the impacted islands for the delivery of hot meals to affected persons. HURRICANE FUND A hurricane relief fund has been established where the general public can make contributions to the relief efforts. 3

4 PRIORITY NEEDS The needs list as of September 11, 2008 is below. ITEMS DESCRIPTION QUANTITY Cots 6,000 Units Blankets 12,000 Units Mattresses Full Size 5,000 Each Lumber 2 x 4 x 16 Pressure Treated 390,000 Lengths Lumber 2 x 6 x 18 Pressure Treated 160,000 Lengths Lumber 1 x 6 x 16 Tongue & Groove Pressure Treated 153,000 Lengths Lumber 2 x 8 x 16 Pressure Treated 30,000 Lengths Plywood 5/8 Pressure Treated 2,000 Bundles Plywood 3/8 Pressure Treated 2,000 Bundles Galvalume 10 Coated White 10,000 Sheets Galvalume 14 Coated White 10,000 Sheets Zinc Screws 2 15,000 Cases Shingles Desert Tan 100,000 Cases Roofing Nails cases Cement 100 lbs 170,625 Bags Steel 5/8, 20 feet long 42,000 Lengths Steel ½, 20 feet long 21,000 Lengths BRC Wire Mesh 6 x 6 10 gauge 960 Rolls Tie Wire 1,500 Rolls Anchor Bolts 1/2 x 8 45,000 Units Hurricane Clips Heavy Duty 156,000 Units Sheet Rock Screws 25 lbs per box 1,200 Boxes Sheet Rock Mud 5 gallon pails 6,000 Buckets Sheet Rock Tape 6,000 Rolls Wood Nails 2 ½ (50 lbs per Box) 400 Cartons Wood Nails 3 (50 lbs per Box) 300 Cartons Concrete Blocks 2,000,000 Each Ice and Water Shield 57,000 Rolls Tents Family Size 80 Units Tents 20 x Units Tents Marquee, 80 x Units Water Containers 5 gallons 20,000 Bottles Water Containers 12,000 litres 1,000 Drums Plastic Buckets with Covers 5 Gallons 5,000 Each Igloo Coolers large size, (5 feet long and above) 160 Each Igloo Coolers Medium Size (3 feet long) 300 Each 4

5 ITEMS DESCRIPTION QUANTITY Generators Generators 75 KVA Diesel, Sound Attenuated with Automatic Change Over Switch 100 KVA Diesel, Sound Attenuated with Automatic Change Over Switch 55 Each 3 Each Generators 5 KW Diesel 150 Each Generators diesel, 75 KVA, Quiet Enclosed, 110 volts, 60 cycles Generators diesel, 100 KVA, Quiet Enclosed, 110 volts, 60 cycles 55 Units 3 Units Hand-Held Radios Motorola PRO Each Radios Transistor AM/FM 15,000 Each Water Purification Tablets 50 per box 2,000 Boxes Lanterns with Batteries 3,000 Each Flashlights 8,000 Each Flood Lighting Exterior Use, Self Supporting, 110 volts, Sets cycles Extension Cords 110 Volts 170 Lengths Refrigerator 110 volts, 60 cycles 2,000 Each Freezer Chest, 110 volts, 60 cycles 500 Each Stoves 4 Burners, Propane 2,000 Each Propane Gas Cylinders 20 lb 2,000 Each Wash Tubs Single 2,000 Each Garbage Bags55 gallon size 1,800 Cases Garbage Bags 33 gallon size 1,200 Cases Garbage Bags 13 gallon size 1,200 Cases Hygiene Kits 20,000 Units The human resources needs identified are for reconstruction personnel including construction labourers, linesmen and health personnel. UPDATE ON REGIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL RESPONSE The Prime Minister of the Bahamas and Chair of the Council of the CDERA Participating States, the Honorable Hubert Ingraham visited Grand Turk earlier this week to receive a first hand assessment of the impact of Hurricane Ike and to offer support from the Bahamas. Frank Savage former Governor of Montserrat during the volcanic emergency also visited the TCI and offered support. The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) has offered to provide the following: Emergency Relief Grant of US $100,000 through CDERA. 5

6 Up to US $500,000 for an Immediate Response Loan for the clearing and cleaning of affected areas and for emergency restoration of services and, Support in the development of an effective recovery strategy and financing for a program of rehabilitation works The Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility is set to make a payout of approximately US$6.3million to boost recovery efforts. The Rapid Damage Assessment Team that was deployed to the South Caicos has recommended that the UNICEF Return to Happiness program be considered for the children affected by the disaster. This helps children learn to deal with their fears and their past experiences, and also learn to face the future with a brighter outlook. The Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) launched an appeal on September 9, PAHO has also been coordinating the activities of health services personnel on the ground. A list of insecticides and personal protective equipment for vector control activities has been elaborated, as well as, a list of elements required to ensure the quality of water. PAHO is also arranging the deployment of the following health services personnel over the next few days: Two (2) nurses from Barbados; An epidemiological surveillance specialist; A health services and disaster management advisor; and A communicable disease specialist. They are also identifying other regional health personnel for deployment to support local staff. The CDB Emergency Relief Grant will support the relief efforts by PAHO to the Health Sector in the TCI. CARILEC and other overseas line crews of approximately 50 persons from Canada and Bermuda are being deployed to initiate the restoration process. The CDERA Regional System continues to draw upon its pool of regional experts to support the relief and recovery effort. The National Disaster Coordinator and a Technical Officer from the Department of Disaster Management in the British Virgin Islands are scheduled to arrive in the TCI on Monday, September 15. The Regional Military Engineering Unit comprising contingents from Barbados, Belize, St. Kitts/Nevis and Trinidad and Tobago are also scheduled to be deployed early next week. CDERA 24 hour contact number is