Residents assess water damage as Cayman recovers from deluge

Just one day after Cayman Islands Regiment reservists leapt into action to escort children home from school amidst a three-day deluge, school buses were back on the roads and splashing through puddle-filled neighbourhoods.

As business in Grand Cayman returned to usual, residents still had some obstacles, like large pockets of water, to navigate Tuesday. As the storm system made its way northward toward Florida, Cayman’s public schools, government offices and stores reopened as usual.

While it rained heavily on Saturday and Sunday, the biggest downpour was on Monday, amounting to almost a month’s worth of rain in a day.

Guided by the National Emergency Operations Centre and Hazard Management Cayman Islands, emergency responders helped stem floodwaters and assist residents.

Governor Jane Owen recognised those agencies, as well as the Red Cross, shelter management volunteers, medical services and others who contributed to the response.

“As the floods subside today, it is a good reminder to ensure that we all have plans in place for the challenging weather in this season and that everyone is familiar with the communication channels for regular updates in times of difficulties,” she said, pointing to online resources.

Impact on homes

Most main roadways were clear of standing water by Tuesday afternoon, but many residents were still clearing up and assessing their homes.

Andre Dacres, a resident in the Savannah Meadows area, said that new drains installed around the end of last year have made notable improvements for the area’s drainage when put to the test.

Low-lying depressions on various properties, however, still collect significant amounts of water. Across from his home, he measured water depths at 17 inches, and said the flood waters can get as deep as nearly three feet.

The standing water becomes potentially problematic with back-to-back storms, when already-saturated grounds lack room for water to drain.

“The water drained off the road, but now it’s going to sit there for quite some time,” Dacres said.

The unusually heavy rainstorm heralds the start of what experts predict will be an “extremely active” hurricane season, which officially began on 1 June.

Hazard Management Cayman Islands urges the community to be prepared for further storms.

“The last few days have been interesting to say the least,” the agency said in a post Tuesday. “Our islands experienced an abnormal weather system that brought more water than we could have imagined. Just a reminder that we need to be ready for anything.”