BVI Flooding: Fuel spill contained at Pasea ... more rain expected
By DDM
Mon, 10 Oct 2005, 17:59
Tortola, Monday October 10th, 2005 – Shortly after 9 am this morning a gas leak at the Delta Petroleum Gas Station adjacent to the Purcell Estate junction was reported to the Department of Disaster Management (DDM).
Upon arrival on the scene officials confirmed that an underground gas tank at the station became uncovered and workers from the Public Works Department (PWD), Water and Sewerage, Fire and Rescue Service, and the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) were dispatched to man the situation. It is reported that the tank cover came undone due to flooding in the area. While containing the situation a second tank cover came undone, which further compounded the problem. Officials have managed to contain the spill and it is being stored in secured areas in Fish Bay and West End under the advise of the Chief Conservation and Fisheries Officer, Chief Environmental Health Officer, and the Senior Inspector Building Authority at PWD.
The mixture of gas in the floodwaters caused the area to be highly flammable, filling the area with dangerous gas fumes. Persons living in the immediate vicinity of the gas leak were evacuated with the assistance of DDM officers, RVIPF and the Red Cross. Officials from the Red Cross indicated that approximately 30 persons were evacuated from the area. Thirteen persons sought shelter at the Anglican Church Shelter while others were evacuated to the homes of family and friends.
To manage the operations on the ground a command post was set up at the site, which was headed by the Department of Disaster Management. Incident Commander, Ms Sharleen DaBreo reported that the initial concern was the fire hazard and 5 sewage trucks were dispatched to the scene to pump the water from the streets into tanks, which were taken to alternate storage sites. The area is now contained, and attempts are being made to separate the water from the fuel before disposing the waste.
The Director of Disaster Management indicated that the overall operations went well however it was difficult for emergency personnel to reach the scene, as excessive traffic hampered some of the response efforts.
Forecasters expect that heavy rainfall will continue into tonight and through to Wednesday.
Although most of the roads throughout the BVI are passable, motorists are being asked to exercise extreme caution when driving. Persons living in low-lying areas that are being threatened can take refuge at the Anglican Church Hall Emergency Shelter.
FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Department for Disaster Management
Tortola, BVI
Tel: (284) 494-4499
NOTE: DDM website http://www.ddmbvi.com contains Situation Reports