The island of Sint Maarten is under a flood alert till Monday noon, November 18, that has been issued after the island has been experiencing flash flooding due to constant heavy rainfall.
It is to be noted that the Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure and the island’s Police are looking into the situation and guiding the residents to minimize the effects of the floods.
The Ministry of Environment also confirmed that the road network in Sint Maarten has been affected due to the severe flooding on the streets and rockfalls that have hindered the traffic.
Taking prompt action in the flooding situation, the Ministry announced to open the Great Bay Fresh Pond channel, temporarily. This will help in reducing the Pond levels and will prevent high water levels in the Salt and Fresh Pond.
The Ministry also shared, that constant meetings are being conducted to manage the water in Sint Maarten. Further, the authorities have urged the public to not engage in water related activities as the water levels are hazardous in the country, currently.
They have put a temporary ban on activities like boating, swimming, fishing until the further notice.
Also, the Sint Maarten Police Force has shared that the road conditions are hazardous and drivers and pedestrians should exercise caution while travelling.
“Significant rain in the past few hours has led to dangerous road conditions, especially in the Dutch Quarter and Cul-de-Sac areas,” the recent announcement by Sint Maarten Police noted.
The release further states that several rocks and trees have fallen on the roads due to ongoing rain and floods, thus creating a hazardous condition.
It has been further shared, in flood-prone areas, roads may be impassable, and there is a risk of debris, slippery surfaces, and poor visibility, further increasing the risk of accidents.
The Sint Maarten Police Force has strongly urged all drivers to
- Reduce speeds and be prepared for sudden obstacles, such as fallen rocks or debris.
- Avoid driving through flooded areas where water depth is unknown.
- Use headlights to enhance visibility and make vehicles more visible to others.
- Pedestrians are also encouraged to be vigilant when crossing streets, especially in affected zones.
