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Category 2 Hurricane Omar Soaked St. Croix, U.S. Virgin
Islands
on October 15 but Generally Spared the Island
St. Croix, US Virgin Islands - October 16, 2008 - Hurricane Omar soaked St. Croix on Wednesday, causing minor flooding in the first floor entryway of Hotel Caravelle. The Category 2 storm caused some damage to trees and boats in the area, but generally spared the island. Hotel Caravelle is open for business. To view live images of the island see the webcams at http://www.gotostcroix.com/live/. The harborcam is located on the corner of Hotel Caravelle. "I think the damage was minimized because everyone did an amazing job buckling down. The government prepared the community in advance with plans and procedures in place," stated Sid Kalmans, owner of Hotel Caravelle, "In addition to news alerts, a recorded message from the Governor was sent over the phone lines alerting residents about what we needed to do, wishing us well and letting us know about curfews and other guidelines. It was really commendable, thoughtful and showed the community that Governor deJongh and his team are extremely organized. The leadership shown in mobilizing the Virgin Islands with a storm that gave so little warning is truly impressive." Pastor Gilbert of Mt. Sinai Baptist Church in Houston, who is a guest at Hotel Caravelle, said that compared to Hurricane Ike in Houston, this was less severe. Pastor Gilbert, whose room overlooks Christiansted Harbor, said boats that were tied to the dock were severely damaged, but the ones moored in the harbor seemed to be in good condition. "These trials and tribulations make us stronger. I thank the Lord for protecting us all," said Pastor Gilbert who is on a mission for the Altona Baptist Church on St. Croix. The storm passed through three Caribbean destinations (Aruba, Bonaire
and Curacao) before visiting St. Croix. According to the National Hurricane
Center, Omar is in the Atlantic, heading east and is not expected to make
any further unwanted stops to Caribbean islands.
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Contact:
Jane Watkins
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