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Topic: Flooding

wet season

Weather service says more rainfall, possible flooding ahead

Local forecasters are advising the community to expect possible flooding in low-lying areas as an increase in rainfall coupled with higher than normal high tides impact the islands over the coming days.

Cayman reveals 26-year climate change action plan

A long-term policy to protect Cayman from the devastating effects of climate change was unveiled on Wednesday.
Flooding roads in Barkers

Flood challenges were identified as ‘priority’ over two decades ago

Developing a national strategy to prevent the kind of major flooding events that have plagued Grand Cayman neighbourhoods in recent weeks was identified as an urgent priority as far back as 2003.
truck being loaded with sandbags to prevent flooding from rain

Sandbags at the ready as rain threatens to soak saturated ground

Rain is forecast to drench the Cayman Island just a week after Tropical Storm Helene caused widespread flooding.

Majority of private sewerage systems below par

Just one in four of the sewage treatment plants at private properties checked by the Water Authority across Grand Cayman last year met the legally required minimum standards.
Sea water from king tides fills the road in North Sound Estates.

Residents in North Sound Estates seek help with king tides

Residents in North Sound Estates are hoping government will raise the level of Windward Drive to mitigate flooding from king tides.
Engineers clear drains in George Town, Wednesday, to manage flooding. The NRA says a national strategy is needed to better manage storm water. - Photo: Sarah Bridge

Man-made wetlands may be needed to manage increasing flood threat

The streets of Grand Cayman ran thick with mucky water, Wednesday as the deluge from Tropical Storm Helene continued. Officials acknowledge a national plan is now needed to cope with an elevated flood risk. 
Hurricane Helene moves away from the Cayman Islands into the Gulf of Mexico

Hurricane Helene could become a record breaker

Helene may break records for being the fastest system in history to go from a being a tropical disturbance to a major hurricane.
A resident sits in a flooded property on Washington Boulevard. - Photos: Simon Boxall

George Town residents flooded out by Tropical Storm Helene

Grand Cayman residents confronted wind and rising water on Tuesday, as Tropical Storm Helene brought heavy rains to the island. In low-lying areas especially, many found themselves fighting floodwater inside their homes.
A car makes its way slowly through a flooded road. - Photo: Taneos Ramsay

Communities assess damage in wake of wet and windy storm

Cayman's brush with what has now become Tropical Storm Helene left many communities under water on Tuesday, prompting emergency medical evacuations and increased flood-mitigation efforts.

Cayman confronts floods from Helene, as tropical storm warning lifted

Schools, airports, courts and government offices will reopen Wednesday following the passage of Tropical Storm Helene, officials have confirmed.

Cayman prepares for potential flooding

With the threat of severe weather and potential tropical cyclone 9 on Monday, Cayman residents and government agencies kicked into preparation mode ahead of anticipated heavy rainfall.
Empty Boat Anchorage off Lobster Pot

‘Significant flooding concern’ due to expected heavy rain

Frequent rains with occasional periods of heavy showers along with persistent flooding are expected over the next three days.

After the flood, swamped residents call for action

In West Bay, one 50-year-old community's struggle with extreme flooding has highlighted a national problem.

Government warns of increased flooding risk

Government urged the public to exercise caution in low-lying areas as rainy conditions are expected to continue, increasing the possibility of further flooding.

Regiment assists with school drop-offs in flood-hit areas

The Cayman Islands Regiment has been enlisted to assist the Education Ministry to get children living in flood prone areas home safely when schools close on Monday afternoon.

Weather Service: Rains, flooding to continue

Several areas in Grand Cayman were under flood waters on Saturday afternoon as torrential downpours enveloped the island.

CPA approves 95-apartment complex in flood-prone West Bay site

The Central Planning Authority has approved a $12.6 million complex with 95 apartments in West Bay, despite concerns by government departments and neighbours about flooding.
This land off Batabano Rd, which floods when it rains, will soon be covered by buildings. Credit: Eziethamae Bodden

‘You’re destroying Cayman’, planning board told in plea over flood risk

With tears in her eyes and a voice breaking with emotion, an impassioned grandmother told planning officials "you’re destroying Cayman" on Wednesday.

Smart tech early flood-warning system in the works

The Hazard Management Cayman Islands team has embarked on a pilot project to create a technology-based early detection warning system to alert the public about potential flooding in urban areas.

Rising sea-levels threaten Cayman’s coastline

Newly published data predicts that the Cayman Islands will lose 32 square kilometres of coastal land due to climate change-induced sea-level rise before the end of the century.

Sea-level data a ‘wake-up call’ for Cayman’s COP28 delegation

As the United Nations Climate Change Conference COP28 takes place in Dubai, Connor Childs, Bella Rooney and Rickeem Lashley, representing Cayman, spoke to the Compass about what the sea-level rise data means for the islands' sustainability efforts.

Planning board reverses decision on Legoland apartments in West Bay

The Central Planning Authority has reversed a decision to grant planning permission to Legoland Real Estate, which had previously been given approval to build a 192-apartment development in a flood-prone area of West Bay.

Heavy rains to continue till Friday

Rainfall experienced in Grand Cayman Wednesday morning is expected to continue until at least Friday morning, according to the National Weather Service.
This land off Batabano Rd, which floods when it rains, will soon be covered by buildings. Credit: Eziethamae Bodden

Flooding fears prompt attempt to halt West Bay development

Residents of a West Bay neighbourhood are banding together to try to take action against a 192-apartment complex being built next door to them about which they say they were never notified and is causing severe flooding.

High number of mosquitos expected after unseasonal rainfall

The Mosquito Research and Control Unit is warning residents to brace themselves for an increase in mosquitos from Sunday evening, 26 March.

Cayman 2050: ‘We must change how and where we build’

As surging seas threaten to redraw the map, concern is growing that the islands’ development rush is not adequately contemplating what Cayman’s future could look like in a climate-altered world. Changing how and where we build must be part of the solution, say experts.

UPDATE: Weather service issues flood warning

The Cayman Islands National Weather Service has issued a flood warning, which is expected to remain in effect until Sunday evening as heavy rains are forecast over the weekend.
Some areas of George Town, including Finch Street (pictured) and West Bay were hit with flooding after Saturday's heavy downpour

Heavy rains bring flood waters

National Roads Authority crews were on Sunday working on clearing flood waters in an area of Windsor Park after heavy torrential downpours on Saturday left some areas of George Town under water.

EDITORIAL – Getting ready for the rainy season

Unlike hurricanes, we can predict with near-100% certainty that the rainy season will wreak havoc on low-lying neighbourhoods – flooding streets, homes and businesses, causing headaches, inconvenience and damaging property.

Water and frustration rise along Bodden Town’s Cumber Avenue

Flooding on Cumber Avenue and nearby roads has become a familiar and dreaded sight during rainy season for residents of the low-lying Bodden Town area.

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