Toppled trees, widespread flooding, a nationwide power outage – and a catastrophic blaze that annihilated several Falmouth Harbour businesses. Such were the effects of Tropical Storm Philippe which ripped through the twin islands on Monday night and Tuesday morning.
The devastation wreaked on the landmark building adjacent to the Antigua Yacht Club shocked the nation, put dozens out of work and left business owners counting excruciating losses. Fire officials say they are still investigating the cause of the inferno.
The sister isle suffered “very intense” wind and rain but was largely unscathed, Barbuda’s MP Trevor Walker told Observer. He said some Barbudans had reported unprecedented amounts of lightning. The island lost electricity around 11.45pm on Monday night but was fully restored by Tuesday afternoon.
State utility firm APUA was hard at work yesterday with six teams battling to restore electricity to the mainland too. Glanvilles, Ottos and Crosbies were among the first communities in Antigua to regain power.
Emergency services were also kept busy with more than 30 calls for help from local residents. There were no reports of injuries, although disaster officials told Observer a number of people had been treated for respiratory problems and chest pains.
Meteorologist Dale Destin said Philippe packed winds of around 58mph, and one-minute sustained winds with estimated maximum gusts of 75mph. (Photos by Johnny Jno-Baptiste)
