After an initial assessment following the passage of Hurricane Nicole the Emergency Measures Organisation (EMO) provided the follow update.
It should be noted that the EMO will formally convene a meeting tomorrow where further pertinent public updates will be provided. This will be followed by a formal media briefing.
As it stands this evening, the Minister of National Security, Sen. Jeffrey Baron JP, moved to reassure the public that all relevant agencies were fully deployed and have been hard at work clearing roads and assessing the damage of Hurricane Nicole.
Minister Baron said, "Bermuda has managed to weather this storm and I want to commend everyone for their strength and resilience and support of one another during Hurricane Nicole. The public should be aware that as soon as it was safe to do so, crews and personnel from the Ministry of Public Works, the Department of Parks and Royal Bermuda Regiment were deployed to start road clearing and making areas safe for BELCO crews to work on restoring power.
"Already some progress is being made and we will continue update the public throughout the evening.
"As we continue to assess the damages around the Island I want to again make a plea to residents to please stay off the roads. We recognise that there has been significant flooding and some severe road damages in areas around the Island.
"Obviously we are also concerned about downed trees and downed power lines which are live. So out of an abundance of caution, I’m urging the public to please allow the necessary works to proceed.
"The EMO will meet tomorrow to assess the restoration progress and we will update the public soon after our meeting.
"As homeowners begin assessing the damage at their homes, we urge them to use utmost caution and ensure they are using all appropriate safety equipment to reduce the risk of injury."
As it currently stands the EMO can update on the following regarding the mobilization of services:
• An assessment of the L. F. Wade International Airport is currently underway and it is anticipated that the airport will open at 12 noon tomorrow. As it relates to flight arrivals and departures, residents are encouraged to call their respective airlines to get latest updates on scheduling.
• The Causeway will reopen at 10 pm this evening.
• Government offices, buildings and schools will remain closed on Friday. Assessments are currently underway. Any updates regarding their reopening will be shared with the public accordingly.
• The KEMH and the Lambe Foggo Urgent Care Centre are operational.
• The Ministry of Public Works advised that Marsh Folly waste facility will be open for waste drop off.
• The Emergency Broadcast station, 100.1 FM ceased operation at 8:00pm tonight and be back on air at 7.00am tomorrow morning if no local radio stations are broadcasting live.