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Distribution of supplies on Tortola
#142603
09/12/2017 05:03 PM
09/12/2017 05:03 PM
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Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 240 Texas
purplelily
OP
Traveler
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OP
Traveler
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 240
Texas
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Is anyone else following the FB posts on BVI Abroad - Hurricane Irma about the supplies not getting distributed and many boats with aid being turned away from the Port Purcell drop off? They really started cranking up yesterday, and there are more today. I just tried to go back to read the ones from yesterday, and they have all been removed. I've read that Riteway is now OUT of water, and someone had waited in line 4 hours to get inside. The people in West End, CGB, Carrot Bay, etc are really getting desperate for help (and it appears have very little opportunity to get messages in or out).
The media coverage has been all sunshine and roses regarding the calvary, but I think there's a problem someone is covering up.
This is NOT a time to be worried about your tourism image or having perfect lists of cargo so you can collect duty! The other excuse I've read is that their 1 storage facility is FULL, and its taking time to get distribution centres set up, blah, blah. At this point - they need to just pile the stuff up and keep it coming in. West End needs a boat delivery ASAP. This is taking WAY too long.
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Re: Distribution of supplies on Tortola
[Re: purplelily]
#142604
09/12/2017 05:21 PM
09/12/2017 05:21 PM
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Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 559 Apex, NC
agrimsrud
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 559
Apex, NC
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Wow... I believe there are less than 25K people on Tortola on a good day. I'm sure many of them left so fewer right now. That's a small college football game worth of people. So hard to believe this is an availability problem in terms of necessities but rather a massive failure in government/administration. The british navy needs to be put in charge and suspend all local govt. - surely they would have some ability to get the job done. It just shouldn't be that hard - manageable number of people and a relatively small confined space.
Life's short - sail more!
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Re: Distribution of supplies on Tortola
[Re: agrimsrud]
#142606
09/12/2017 05:32 PM
09/12/2017 05:32 PM
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Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 5,720 Massachusetts
maytrix
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 5,720
Massachusetts
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From what I've seen, the problem is more likely getting word out and getting around the island. I don't think supplies can be delivered door to door and are more available at the shelters. I've seen many posts that say the Airport has water..etc.
But it is clear the disaster management there needs a serious overhaul. This is a significant event, but the lack of communication is quite awful. Areas really should have been broken up and a team leader assigned to each with people checking in daily, getting updates..etc.
Matt
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Re: Distribution of supplies on Tortola
[Re: lonewolf1977]
#142609
09/13/2017 10:45 AM
09/13/2017 10:45 AM
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Joined: May 2008
Posts: 854
Cleobeach
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 854
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lonewolf1977 said: Follow Sam Branson on instagram....he gives a very realistic view of what's going on each day. And he's busting his butt to get supplies to everyone. You beat me to this suggestion. If I understood his video, his group was not allowed to land on Tortola and were turned away. He made an appeal for someone/everyone to reach out to the government and bring it to the attention of the higher ups. The next update indicated someone came to their senses and allowed the distribution of supplies.
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Re: Distribution of supplies on Tortola
[Re: Cleobeach]
#142610
09/13/2017 02:00 PM
09/13/2017 02:00 PM
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Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 240 Texas
purplelily
OP
Traveler
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OP
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Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 240
Texas
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When the dust settles, I hope they will consider a required course in school for disaster survival on an island. Cistern water has to be available in most areas - dip a bucket and boil on a wood fire. I know there are still chickens roaming, and most likely still a few goats and donkeys. If you've ever watched a survival show - they even eat rats, lizards, and snails. Even with all vegetation gone, you won't starve.
Could everyone bury a 55 gallon drum for their supplies? I read that some people had supplies, but they were blown away. Lifestraws are $20 and filter 1,000 liters. MREs should last about 3 years at 80 degrees (buried temp?), and avg $5 per meal. Add a knife, firestarter, tarp, paracord, duct tape, flashlight, and batteries. For about $100/year, every person could have disaster supplies buried in their yard.
Obviously, anyone in flood prone areas would need another plan.
I think this might be a great use for some of the recovery funding.
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