CASTRIES, St Lucia (CMC) —The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission Wednesday commiserated with the British Virgin Islands in the wake of extensive and damaging flooding from a tropical wave.

The weather system drenched the territory with hours of rain Tuesday that has inundated homes, businesses and churches.

In the wake of the destruction, Director General of the OECS Dr Didacus Jules and staff of the nine-nation OECS Commission have offered their sympathies to the people of the British Virgin Islands.

“Our thoughts and prayers were with those who suffered loss and continue to be affected by the flooding,” said Jules.

Commissioners from member states to the OECS have remained in close contact with BVI Commissioner Najan Christopher to monitor and assess the evolving situation.

Other member states were awaiting advice from the BVI as to what assistance they would deem most useful from sister OECS territories in order to mobilise disaster recovery resources.

“We commend the BVI’s Department of Disaster Management (DDM) and all others working on the ground and behind the scenes to keep citizens safe in what are very hazardous circumstances,” Jules said.

“Regrettably this event and other similar occurrences are another reminder of the vulnerability of our small island states to new and changing weather systems, and the collective need to do more in collaboration with our development partners to fortify our disaster management responses,” he added.

Meanwhile, the BVI Tourist Board says the industry remains open for business, although several properties across the British overseas territory have been damaged due to the heavy rains.

According to tourism board officials, the island of Tortola has been hardest hit, adding that the territory is still in ‘full clean-up mode.’

“The accommodations sector reported mild flooding within a few properties. However, the majority of hotels and villas remained open for business.”

The airport, which had been closed early Monday, was reopened the following day.

Seaports are also open as ferry operators have resumed normal business.

“Electricity has been restored to the majority of the territory, and the BVI Electricity Corporation’s restoration teams are steadily addressing minor outstanding areas that are still without power,” said the Acting Governor Robert Mathavious.