North Coast beaches closed

The beaches were empty yesterday as workers from the Ministry of Tourism and others met at the Maracas Bay to discuss the cleaning of the beaches.

The rough seas continued along the north coast, but the flooding which occurred on Sunday and yesterday has ceased.

The road leading to Tyrico Bay has been washed away by the raging sea waters, and the area was deemed "a disaster area" by lifeguards because of the landslips, debris and the rough seas.

Newsday learnt that a massive clean-up exercise will begin today at all the affected beaches so that it could be reopened by Saturday.

Lifeguards told Newsday that although the swells have decreased, members of the public should not take any chances. They said strong undercurrents in the water cannot be monitored because of the abnormal waves, and they suggested that people wait until the beach is declared safe to swim.

Yesterday, lifeguards took the time to train on the deserted beach. They believe that the country is not prepared for a major natural disaster.

Between Sunday and Monday, monster waves began to lash the shoreline at beaches throughout the country, smashing anchored boats in the process, flooding beach fronts, homes perched near the sea, and causing losses to hundreds of vendors and fishermen.

Carlene Rondon, an affected bake and shark vendor at Maracas Bay, said many of the affected vendors are single parents who depend on the sales to earn a living. She is calling on the Government to assist them in re-starting their businesses.

A release from the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management revealed that rough seas in excess of three metres will continue to affect coastal areas.

The San Juan Regional Corporation has been ordered to take heavy equipment to Maracas Bay to begin clean-up operations.

According to the release, the Icacos area is waterlogged, boats have been damaged and about 50 homes are flooded with with ankle-deep water.

One house was partially destroyed, and there were reports of flooding at Columbus Bay and Granville.

The Siparia Regional Corporation will move into the area with heavy equipment when the water subsides.

The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management has requested that all regional corporations begin a damage assessment and needs analysis of people who have been affected by the rough seas. The information will be used as a basis to provide emergency relief to affected persons.