On 24th and 25th December 2013 a tropical trough system produced heavy rains in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG). Local rainfall stations reported between 200mm and 310mm in a matter of 2 – 3 hours on the north windward side of the island and up to 153.3mm in the north leeward side of the island, which resulted in intense flooding across the island.
The ensuing rapid and intense flash flooding resulted in severe damage and 9 confirmed deaths with 3 persons still missing. Additionally, there was widespread damage to road infrastructure, electricity and water infrastructure, housing as well as public and private buildings.
On December 26, 2013, the Government of SVG (GoSVG) declared a National Level 2 Disaster in accordance with the National Emergency and Disaster Management Act, 2006. This declaration was considered of national proportions, but specifically declared the following disasters areas to be in a state of emergency: 1) Vermont Valley to Buccament Bay; 2) Rose Bank and Dark View on the Leeward Side, 3) Chateaubelair, 4) Fitz-Hughes, 5) Richmond Vale, 6) Spring Village, 7) Gordon Village, 8) Cumberland, 9) Troumaca, 10) South Rivers, 11) O’Briens Valley, Georgetown, and 12) Spring Village, Georgetown.
According to the summary of the data reported from each affected sector, the December 24-25, 2013 flood event resulted in total damages and losses of US$108.4million (EC$291.4 million), equivalent to 15% of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). Most of the flood damage was sustained in the infrastructure sector (97%) - followed by the social (3%) and productive sectors (<1%). However, as in the case with any rapid assessment following a major event, re-construction/rehabilitation works contingencies – particularly in the transport sector, could potentially increase the total damages reflected in this report by up to 15%
Source: https://goo.gl/kqcQu3