Two Caribbean nations are offering relief to the eastern islands that were hit by heavy rain and storms over Christmas.
Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana announced plans to help the east Caribbean islands affected by storms since Dec. 23.
At least eight people have died and dozens were forced out of their homes by heavy rain in St Vincent and the Grenadines, St. Lucia, and Dominica.
Guyana’s Cabinet approved financial support of $100,000 each for Saint Lucia and St. Vincent and $75, 000 to Dominica. Trinidad and Tobago have sent emergency supplies.
The extreme weather hit St. Vincent on Christmas Eve, with many seeking refuge in shelters as the flooding began.
A family of five died when a house was washed into their home in the northwestern region of North Leeward, local media reported.
The rain also cut off the water supply of about half of the island, authorities say.
An official government notice said St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ Prime Minister, Ralph Gonsalves was returning from his holiday in London, where he was staying after a visit to Rome, where he met Pope Francis, reported the BBC.
In St. Lucia, a policeman was killed while reportedly trying to save people after torrential rain on Christmas Eve.
St. Lucia’s Prime Minister Kenny Anthony, said: “I don’t think I can recall when we have had such heavy rainfall on the eve of Christmas.”
Source: voice-online.co.uk
