St Lucian Prime Minister calls recent flooding akin to ‘Nuclear disaster’

By Sherrica Thompson

Staff Writer

#StLucia, November 14, 2022 – As leaders across the world meet in Egypt for COP27, the region is yet again reminded of the crippling cost and losses of climate change; this time St Lucia, like the Dominican Republic, experienced severe flooding in parts of the country on Sunday, November 6.

Based on several reports, the heavy flooding, described as a ‘frightening ordeal, has left individuals in the north of the island with significant damages and losses. Videos showed homes flooded and cars, were like toys, being carried away by rushing water.; heartbreaking.

A new bridge, the Monchy bridge, was also damaged.

Thankfully though, no lives were lost during the flash floods.

In a press conference on Monday, November 7, Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre pointed to some causes including improper garbage disposal; he urged residents to do better.

“Despite the heavy rainfall, there were many things in the rivers that were not supposed to be there.  Old stoves, discarded fridges, plastic bottles… and once more, we are begging and urging the public of St Lucia not to dispose of these materials in the waterways and the rivers,” Pierre said.

He stressed that “climate change is real” and “these weather events are going to be more frequent and more devastating.”

Pierre also used the prediction of a climate change expert to show the severity of the phenomenon, noting that “climate change is a threat that can only be compared to a nuclear disaster.”

Heavy rains, no hurricane caused the severe flooding in the tourism and agriculture dependent country.

Already, Taiwan has pledged $100,000US in support.