As the rain clouds trailing Hurricane Rafael dissipated and the sun rose on Thursday, the scale of the wind damage the storm had caused on Cayman Brac and Little Cayman became clearer.
Massive sea grape trees had been uprooted and laid waste at the side of the road at the West End Cemetery in Cayman Brac on Thursday morning.
At the seaside cemetery, thick tree limbs that had offered shade over the graves were broken like twigs – a testament to the power of the high winds and gusts that accompanied Rafael as it passed over Cayman Brac.
On Thursday, life returned to normal for most on Cayman Brac, but the clean-up continued for those whose beloved fruit trees and shady evergreens had been bent and broken by Rafael’s wrath.
The cabanas at both Public Beach and Scott’s Dock showed signs of wind damage as roof tiles and shingles were warped and in some places lifted off.
Public Works Department crews, Department of Environmental Health crews and private landscapers made use of the clear, blue skies on Thursday as they cleared the damaged foliage.
Acting Deputy District Commissioner Chavela Burke, speaking with the Compass Wednesday night, said downed trees were seen throughout the island, with some settlement of water in saturated areas.
All three of the hurricane shelters were vacated by mid-morning on Wednesday.
“Our stores have assured us they are well stocked and should be receiving additional supplies on Thursday,” she said, adding the telecommunications network remained active during Hurricane Rafael to allow communication throughout the night and into the morning.
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