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Posted: Sun Sep 14, 2008 4:00 pm
by La Gringa
Maggy wrote:
Hi!
Just want to say I'm sorry for the loss of your boat and the damage on all the islands. We visited Provo and Grand Turk 2006 and stayed in Turtle tail area (in a studio in an American couples house) and in Bohio Dive resort (GT). Please tell me little more about the damage in Grand Turk (if you have any info).
Hi Maggie,
The Weekly News just came out with photos of Grand Turk & Salt Cay. You can check it out at:
http://www.tcweeklynews.com/
The damage to Grand Turk, Salt Cay and South Caicos is catastrophic. Unfortunately, many of the old historical wooden buildings on Grand Turk were destroyed - including Front Street. I read a statistic somewhere that 80% of the home were destroyed or damaged. They are without power and safe drinking water and relief supplies are being flown in daily. They are also evacuating as many people as they can to Provo and some of the lesser hit islands.
Reading this sure helps get it in perspective for us. We were definitely lucky!
Posted: Sun Sep 14, 2008 4:02 pm
by La Gringa
California Girl wrote:La Gringa - I've been following this thread and have read a little of your blog. I just want to say that I'm happy to hear that you 2 Gringos are ok and that no deaths have been reported! I hope we'll see more of you around the forum! 
Hi CA Girl,
We're pretty happy too! Thanks!
Could have been so much worse. Nice to know our house held up too. We have minor damage but mostly due to an incomplete roof installation. Funny how these things become apparent under such circumstances!!
Posted: Sun Sep 14, 2008 4:16 pm
by California Girl
Yes! I read about your roof on your blog and saw the pictures of it leaking. 
I suppose that's one way to find out. Not the recommended way, however! 
Posted: Mon Sep 15, 2008 6:37 am
by Maggy
La Gringa, I'm so sorry to hear that. We especially liked those houses. They made Grand Turk so charming. Hope it's possible to rebuild them to how they look before. Here are two pics of Grand Turk houses:
Posted: Mon Sep 15, 2008 7:14 am
by La Gringa
Maggy,
I honestly don't know if they will rebuild them as they were. One of the reasons GT was hit so hard is because there are so many wooden structures. Any new construction here is done in concrete block.
Right now, they are just trying to keep the people that are still there in food, shelter and potable drinking water. It's going to take months to restore the power and so forth.
Posted: Mon Sep 15, 2008 9:06 am
by Maggy
That is just terrible. I really feel bad for them. I felt like GT was traveling back 50 years in time, even in perfect conditions. I can't even imagine how they are feeling right now, fighting for their lives.
And I understand wood is not a good building material in a hurrican zone.
Posted: Mon Sep 15, 2008 10:10 am
by La Gringa
Maggy wrote:That is just terrible. I really feel bad for them. I felt like GT was traveling back 50 years in time, even in perfect conditions. I can't even imagine how they are feeling right now, fighting for their lives.
And I understand wood is not a good building material in a hurrican zone.
There's a big relief effort going on. The US Coast Guard is here flying in supplies and flying out people. The Brits sent a large ship down with supplies. The Turks Islanders are also doing their part. Quite a bit of money has already been raised.
The people in this country are a real community and truly rally in these situations. Everyone helps everyone - even foreigners like us. Complete strangers helped us salvage our boat. I've seen it time and time again. It's one of the reasons that I love this country and these people.