The Tribune

INSURANCE companies reportedly have “a lot of claims coming in” following severe flooding across New Providence, according to industry insiders.

One source described the situation as “quite hectic” as many Bahamians experienced widespread property damage as a result of the rainfall.

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has already had to help several residents in New Providence whose homes were damaged after the rain.

A special care resident had to be evacuated from her home on Romer Street, Fox Hill. Her neighbours said she had to be taken out by boat. The Department of Social Services made arrangements for her to be housed at the Colony Club until her home could be made liveable again.

A Samson Street-Alexandria Boulevard resident in Nassau Village had called in to report that because of the rain her roof had caved. However, she declined to be evacuated.

Another resident of Stapledon Gardens also reported that a portion of her roof had also caved in, forcing her to bail out water from her kitchen and two rooms. However, she too refused to be evacuated to a shelter.

About 20 New Providence residents requested tarpaulins to cover their leaking roofs.

NEMA was activated after severe flood warnings were issued for the entire country. Residents were put on alert of potential threats for flash flooding, tornados and winds up to 30 miles an hour.

Conditions are expected to flood at least 80 per cent of the country before the system clears later today.

The government has already announced a duty exemption for those who were adversely affected by the recent flood in New Providence.

Michael Halkitis, State Minister for Finance, said the exigency order, which will last 90 days, is intended to provide relief to residents who suffered significant loss during the flood on May 22.

The exemption includes building materials, clean-up and plumbing materials, electrical fixtures, furniture, appliances, freezers, heaters and motor vehicles.

In order to receive the exemption, however, Mr Halkitis said the requests have to be certified by NEMA director, Captain Stephen Russell.

Last week, Mr Russell said the flooding either destroyed or damaged thousands of homes in New Providence.